Yang Hyang-ja, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, questioning during the National Assembly's Planning and Finance Committee's audit on the Ministry of Economy and Finance's tax policy on the 8th. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Yeon-ju] Yang Hyang-ja, a Supreme Council member of the Democratic Party of Korea, said on the 22nd regarding former lawmaker Geum Tae-seop's withdrawal from the party, "The withdrawal itself is hard to understand from the perspective of party politics."
In an interview with YTN Radio's 'Hwang Bo-seon's Start of the Morning' on the same day, Supreme Council member Yang responded to former lawmaker Geum's criticism of the Democratic Party's 'double standards' by saying, "I believe the Democratic Party is much more democratic and healthier," expressing this view.
She said, "For any politician, criticism, blame, or ridicule is easy. However, persuading, cooperating, seeking cooperation, conceding, and making others join your side is much more difficult," adding, "I wish lawmaker Geum Tae-seop had considered the more difficult path."
She continued, "We must minimize errors and strive to reduce errors to zero, but when there is no consensus with the party and you go out and speak elsewhere, that also becomes a problem," and said, "In the realm of politics, I think it is a politician's attitude to seek various opinions so as not to fall into the point of believing only one's own judgment is correct."
She added, "When expressing harsh words or convictions, one must be able to cooperate or persuade so that such harsh words can be expressed more effectively," and said, "I wonder if lawmaker Geum Tae-seop's withdrawal is a point that angers the public."
Regarding criticism from the pro-Moon Jae-in faction within the party towards former lawmaker Geum, she said, "I feel gratitude and appreciation towards those who look into my inner self that I cannot see," and added, "It is a politician's role to maintain a stance of conviction, but party politics ultimately requires showing a sense of unity with the party and being able to take responsibility."
Regarding speculation that former lawmaker Geum might defect to the People Power Party or run in the by-elections next April, she said, "(I) think (former lawmaker Geum) will uphold his convictions until the end," and criticized, "Is it really desirable for the public to see people rejoicing just because a member from another party has appeared?"
Meanwhile, former lawmaker Geum announced his withdrawal from the Democratic Party on the 21st through his Facebook page.
On the same day, he posted a message titled 'Leaving the Democratic Party' on his Facebook, stating, "(Healthy criticism or self-reflection for the party's change) is labeled as 'internal sabotage,' and coordinates for text bombings and malicious comments to silence me are set," and added, "As a final protest, I submit my resignation with sincerity and earnestness."
He explained his reason for withdrawal, saying, "I can no longer approve or agree with the direction the party is heading," and "In this situation, I think it is better for me to leave."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
