"Arrogant Attitude Is the Problem," Geum Tae-seop Leaves Democratic Party
"Let's Never Meet Again," Pro-Moon Jae-in Supporters Mock Geum Tae-seop with Derisive Comments
[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] On the 21st, pro-Moon (친문) supporters flooded with critical comments following former Democratic Party lawmaker Geum Tae-seop's announcement of his resignation from the party. They directed mocking remarks at Geum, such as "Leave quietly when you go" and "Birds of a feather flock together."
On the same day, Geum posted an article titled "Leaving the Democratic Party" on his Facebook. He stated, "It has been five months since I was disciplined for not following the party line on the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) and filed an appeal. It has been two months since the party leadership changed. Several ethics committee meetings have been held during this time. However, the Democratic Party has neither made any decisions nor taken responsibility. Under these circumstances, I thought it would be better for me to leave," declaring his resignation.
He added, "'Ignoring the disciplinary appeal' is not the sole reason for my departure," and criticized, "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."
He continued, "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 intimidating them," and expressed, "I sincerely hope the Democratic Party regains its former free atmosphere and vitality and returns to a good party where common sense and reason breathe."
Following Geum's resignation news, some pro-Moon supporters visited his posts and left critical comments.
They mocked Geum with comments such as "Goodbye. Never come back," "You are unqualified as a politician. It looks so ugly when a person talks too much when leaving. Quietly go your way," "It seems like a tooth that was aching has been pulled out," "Migratory birds fly to Cheol-su (Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party)," "Too many words, pointlessly," and "It was disgusting to meet you. Let's never meet again."
Former Democratic Party lawmaker Geum Tae-seop is attending the party Ethics Committee rehearing held at the Yeouido party headquarters on June 29. [Image source=Yonhap News]
On the other hand, some netizens supported Geum's decision. One netizen said, "As someone who supports the Democratic Party, I feel truly regretful and sorrowful. However, if a politician loves the country, they must be able to express their convictions for the development of this country and politics. The party must accept this and bring it into a forum for discussion to develop into a more mature and genuine democracy, which I believe will advance our country's politics," adding, "Anyway, please do not give in here and become an excellent politician who plays the role of light and salt in further developing the Republic of Korea."
Other netizens also left encouraging comments for Geum, such as "Always cheering for you. Stay strong," "There are many more people supporting the lawmaker. I always support you deeply in my heart and pray that you fulfill your intentions well," and "I hope you keep the conviction you have now until the end. Cheering for you."
Meanwhile, Geum, once considered a leading figure of principle within the Democratic Party, was the only one in the party to voice criticism during the former Justice Minister Cho Kuk incident last year, calling it "inconsistent words and actions." In December last year, he abstained from voting on the CIO bill. Due to this, he faced criticism from hardline Democratic Party supporters and was eliminated in the nomination primary for his constituency, Gangseo-gap, Seoul, during the April 15 general election.
The party's Ethics Tribunal issued a warning to Geum in May for voting against the party line, and although Geum immediately filed an appeal, no conclusion has been reached yet.
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