Geum Tae-seop Leaves Democratic Party: "Arrogant, Overbearing Attitude Is the Problem"
Park Yong-jin: "Difficult to Agree with Geum Tae-seop's Departure... Will Create Change Within the Party"
Jo Eung-cheon: "Sympathize with Geum Tae-seop's Post... Departure Is Regrettable"
[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Democratic Party members Park Yongjin and Cho Eungcheon expressed regret over the departure of former Democratic Party lawmaker Geum Tae-seop, who was once grouped with them under the nickname 'Jogeumbakhae.' 'Jogeumbakhae' is a moniker derived from the first syllables of the names of Cho Eungcheon, Geum Tae-seop, Park Yongjin, and former lawmaker Kim Haeyoung, who were considered principled members within the Democratic Party.
On the 21st, Park posted on his Facebook, regarding Geum's departure, "While I understand the concerns, as someone who fundamentally believes in party politics and contributed to the founding of the Democratic United Party in 2011, the predecessor of the Democratic Party, I find it difficult to readily agree with Geum's decision."
He explained, "Factionalism is an easy trap in political logic because it is convenient for politicians. However, it makes the country difficult and divides the people. Therefore, factionalism and double standards, which reverse the role of politics, are matters politicians must be most cautious about."
He continued, "When I always say politics should avoid double standards and practice empathy, it is not just to caution other politicians but also myself. I believe that achievements in reform in a democratic society are made through persuasion, not agitation. In that sense, I understand the concerns Geum has."
He added, "I will dedicate myself to expanding the Democratic Party's path as a party of inclusion and a people's party, making it a party that can contribute more significantly. Even if misunderstandings and criticism pour in within the party during this process, I will speak honestly with conviction and do what needs to be done to bring about change. I will engage in debates and discussions within the party, persuade party members, and lead change. Therefore, while I cannot criticize Geum's choice, I find it difficult to agree with it," he emphasized.
Park said, "For politicians, suffering inside and outside the party due to their convictions, and criticism from party members and supporters, is a burden they must bear. One must not be dishonest or evade responsibility out of fear of such hardship." Park himself has faced waves of critical messages from fervent supporters due to his principled statements regarding former Justice Minister Cho Kuk and former Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae's son's controversies.
Finally, he addressed Geum, saying, "It must not have been easy for someone who devoted himself as the party's spokesperson and strategic planning committee chair to leave the party. I also understand well that the past disputes and developments have been a great personal wound and burden on your heart. I wish you good luck in the future."
Former lawmaker Geum Tae-seop, who was disciplined by the party for abstaining from voting on the Act on the Establishment of the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Agency, announced his resignation from the party on the 21st. The photo shows former lawmaker Geum attending the party's Ethics Tribunal rehearing held at the Yeouido party headquarters on June 29. Photo by Yonhap News.
Lawmaker Cho also expressed regret over Geum's departure. Through his Facebook on the same day, he said, "Since the last presidential election and throughout the four years of the 20th National Assembly, I shared many thoughts and relied on former lawmaker Geum. Hearing the news of his departure, I cannot help but feel regret and sorrow."
He added, "I agree with many parts of the writings Geum left behind. However, his decision to leave the party feels bitter and resentful. The reason we endured criticism and did not hesitate to speak harsh truths was to make the Democratic Party, to which we belong, a healthier and more reasonable group. I believe our party's shortcomings can improve through external criticism and internal efforts. It seems that Geum and I differ in judgment on this matter."
He said, "I will work harder to solve the tasks Geum left behind," and "I wish only good things for Geum's future." Like Geum, Cho also gained attention for his principled remarks during last year's controversies involving former Justice Minister Cho Kuk's family admission scandal and the adjustment of investigative authority between the prosecution and police.
Former lawmaker Kim Haeyoung, nicknamed 'Mr. Harsh Criticism,' also expressed regret in a phone interview with Yonhap News, saying, "I wish Geum had played a bigger role in the party."
Rep. Cho Eung-cheon of the Democratic Party of Korea (left) and former Rep. Geum Tae-seop are talking during a meeting of the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee held on April 1 last year. [Image source=Yonhap News]
Earlier that day, former lawmaker Geum posted on his Facebook a piece titled 'Leaving the Democratic Party.'
He said, "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 for a retrial. 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 avoided making any decisions and shirked responsibility. Under these circumstances, I thought it would be better for me to leave," declaring his departure.
He continued, "'Ignoring the disciplinary retrial' is not the sole reason for my departure. The biggest problem is the arrogant attitude that divides the people through factionalism, labeling those with different opinions as criminals or pro-Japanese collaborators, and bullying them."
Meanwhile, during last year's 'Cho Kuk incident,' Geum continued to make principled statements, criticizing former Justice Minister Cho Kuk for "inconsistency between words and actions," and abstained from voting on the CIO bill, which led to party disciplinary action. Geum, who was under intense attack from ruling party supporters, lost the nomination in the Seoul Gangseo-gap constituency primary during the April 15 general election.
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