Geum Tae-seop Criticizes the Democratic Party Again: "What a World Where Such Claims Are Made Boldly"

Former Democratic Party lawmaker Geum Tae-seop. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgi Kim] At the confirmation hearing for Jo Seong-dae, a nominee for the Central Election Commission (Professor of International Relations at Hanshin University), Lee Hae-sik, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, claimed that "the mission to prevent decisions unfavorable to the Democratic Party is important." In response, former Democratic Party lawmaker Geum Tae-jeop sharply criticized on the 23rd, saying, "We have come to a world where such claims are made openly and confidently in the National Assembly."

Former lawmaker Geum stated this in a post on his Facebook page, citing Article 114 of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea, which defines the duties of election commissioners.

The previous day, during the confirmation hearing, Representative Lee said to nominee Jo, "You are a candidate recommended by the Democratic Party. If you become a member of the Election Commission, an important mission is to prevent the commission from making decisions that are unfavorable or unfair to the Democratic Party."

He added, "At that time, you were in a position to freely express your political views, weren't you?" and criticized, "It is awkward that you respond to opposition lawmakers' questions about fairness as if you were always at fault. Stop making excuses."

Meanwhile, former lawmaker Geum had previously criticized Democratic Party lawmaker Hwang Hee for calling the military private who first raised suspicions about the non-return of Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae's son a 'lone offender,' saying, "Are you in your right mind?"