"Ruling Party's Hypocrisy and Flip-Flopping Arrogance" Geum Tae-seop's Resolute Criticism and Resignation Declaration

Lee Nak-yeon "Regrettable Incident" Kim Jong-in "Willing to Meet"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] Former lawmaker Geum Tae-seop, who had taken it upon himself to deliver "bitter criticism" within the party, criticized the "hypocrisy" and "flip-flopping" behavior as an "arrogant attitude" and left the Democratic Party of Korea. Kim Jong-in, the Emergency Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, hinted at the possibility of recruiting Geum by saying, "I am willing to meet him once" upon hearing the news of Geum's departure. On the other hand, Lee Nak-yeon, the leader of the Democratic Party, refrained from commenting, calling it a "regrettable matter," but it is expected to cause subtle ripples in the political sphere.

On the 21st, Geum explained his reasons for leaving the party in a post titled "Leaving the Democratic Party" on his Facebook. He criticized, "There is hypocrisy that is infinitely lenient toward our side but harsh toward the opposition, and shameless flip-flopping that changes previous claims without any explanation or clarification," adding, "'We are always right, and we must always win,' so they consider abandoning principles and consistency as nothing."

He also pointed out, "The Democratic Party has changed so much that you can hardly find the previous flexibility, humility, and culture of communication. Suing citizens criminally and civilly without hesitation is unimaginable in the Democratic Party led by Kim Dae-jung or Roh Moo-hyun," and "Above all, the biggest problem is the arrogant attitude of dividing people, pitting citizens against each other, and labeling those with different opinions as criminals or pro-Japanese collaborators while bullying them." He said, "Healthy criticism or self-reflection on such behavior is dismissed as 'internal sabotage,' and text bombs and malicious comments are targeted to silence voices," adding, "I was despairing at the sight of even those in leadership positions in the party calculating political gains and losses while being cautious, calling it seasoning or energy."

He likened the Democratic Party to "fascism." He emphasized, "German political scientist Carl Schmitt once said, 'Politics is about distinguishing friend from foe,' which may seem clever at first glance, but ultimately led to extreme oppression of the weak in the Holocaust and the tyranny of the majority in fascism." He added, "Politics is not simply a game of winning or losing. Our side ruling for 20 years cannot be the most important goal of politics," and "We must recognize the goodwill of those who think differently. Especially the ruling party must persuade and wait for those who oppose them and move forward together."

Reactions from both ruling and opposition parties to Geum's departure were mixed. Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party, met with reporters that morning and said, "It is regrettable," but refrained from further comment. He added, "We will take the advice to heart, but we regret that he has left." Democratic Party lawmaker Jung Chung-rae said, "It is unfortunate, but it is a good thing for both him and the Democratic Party," adding, "Considering the next general election, the People Power Party might be more appealing, but Cheolsu hyung (Ahn Cheol-soo), who once shared a meal with us, is lonely. I recommend going to the People’s Party." Democratic Party spokesperson Heo Young said, "Since it is a departure as a private citizen now, I am not sure if it holds much significance." Former Democratic Party lawmaker Jung Eun-hye criticized on her Facebook, "Nowhere in this world can be 100% to my liking," and "It is not right to criticize and leave just because the place does not change immediately."

The People Power Party immediately sent a love call to Geum. When asked if he intended to explore Geum's willingness to join, Chairman Kim said, "He is someone I occasionally met regardless of his departure," and "I am willing to meet him once." Regarding the possibility of recruiting Geum, he added, "We have to wait and see," and "There is no way for us to confirm his intentions." People Power Party lawmaker Park Soo-young also wrote on his Facebook, "Still, it is regrettable that we might lose another one of the few decent people in our politics," and "There might be a day soon when we work together." He left room by saying, "At least Geum Tae-seop, who used to speak honestly, decided to leave the Democratic Party," and "I hope he does not leave politics completely and makes a comeback."

Meanwhile, Geum was the only member of his party to vote against the High-ranking Officials’ Crime Investigation Office (HOCI) Act last year and voiced criticism during the former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk scandal. The Democratic Party issued a 'warning' disciplinary action against Geum in June for violating the party line on the HOCI Act vote. Although Geum requested a retrial, it has been delayed for five months past the deadline.