Former Democratic Party Lawmaker Geum Tae-seop Submits Resignation on 21st
"Democratic Party Has Changed... Division and Arrogance Are the Biggest Problems"
"Healthy Criticism and Self-Reflection Labeled as 'Internal Attacks'... Germany Led to Holocaust and Fascism"
[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] Former Democratic Party lawmaker Geum Tae-seop has decided to leave the Democratic Party. Geum was the only member within the party to cast a dissenting vote on the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Unit (HCIC) bill, receiving a 'warning' sanction, and had filed for a retrial with the Ethics Tribunal, currently awaiting the outcome.
In the early hours of the 21st, Geum posted on his Facebook titled "Leaving the Democratic Party," stating, "It has been five months since I was disciplined for not following the party line on the HCIC and filed for a retrial. However, the Democratic Party has made no decision and is avoiding responsibility. I suspect they are merely calculating how to receive the least criticism and minimize losses. Under these circumstances, I thought it would be better for me to leave."
He added, "'Ignoring the retrial of the disciplinary action' is not the sole reason for my departure," and pointedly criticized the Democratic Party's 'double standards' and 'flip-flopping' behavior.
Geum said, "The Democratic Party has changed so much that it is hard to find the flexibility, humility, and culture of communication it once had. Suing citizens criminally and civilly without hesitation is unimaginable in the Democratic Party led by Kim Dae-jung or Roh Moo-hyun," and criticized, "Above all, the biggest problem is the arrogant attitude of dividing people into factions, pitting citizens against each other, and labeling those with different opinions as criminals or pro-Japanese collaborators while intimidating them."
He also stated, "There is a double standard of being endlessly lenient toward our side and harsh toward the opposition, and a shameless flip-flopping of previous claims without any explanation or clarification," adding, "'We are always right, and we must always win,' so abandoning principles and consistency is considered nothing."
He said, "Healthy criticism or self-reflection on these behaviors is labeled as 'internal sabotage,' and text bombings and malicious comments are coordinated to silence dissent," and continued, "While I understand the intense feelings of supporters amid the confrontation between ruling and opposition parties, I was despairing to see even those in leadership positions in the party calculating political gains and losses while being cautious about seasoning or energy."
He added, "I bear significant responsibility as a former Democratic Party lawmaker," and said, "Despite enduring political disadvantages and personally unbearable criticism, I made considerable efforts to speak out, but I have reached a point where I can no longer approve or agree with the party's direction. Therefore, as a final protest, I submit my resignation with sincerity and earnestness."
Geum also likened the Democratic Party's current state to 'fascism.' He said, "German political scientist Carl Schmitt once said, 'Politics is about distinguishing friend from foe,' which sounds clever at first glance, but ultimately led to extreme oppression of the weak in the Holocaust and the tyranny of the majority in fascism," and warned, "If the ruling party continues to treat critical citizens as 'Tochak Waegu' (native pro-Japanese collaborators), democracy and community spirit will be damaged, and political cynicism will spread even more."
He further emphasized, "Politics is not simply a game of winning or losing," and "Having our side in power for 20 years cannot be the most important political goal." He added, "What we need is politics that pursues the public good and advances our society step by step. To do so, we must recognize the goodwill of those with different opinions. Especially the ruling party must have the responsibility to persuade and wait for opponents and move forward together."
Finally, Geum said, "Since voting for candidate Kim Dae-jung in my first election during the 1987 presidential election, I have continuously supported him, and six years ago, I joined the party as a member, serving in positions such as spokesperson and strategic planning committee chair, trying to contribute in my own way. Now, I am leaving the party like this," and expressed, "I sincerely hope the Democratic Party can regain its former free atmosphere and vitality and return to a party where common sense and reason breathe."
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