Geum Tae-seop Leaves Party, Disagreements Within Democratic Party... Will It Affect Approval Ratings?

Geum Tae-seop "Democratic Party's Problem Lies in Division and Arrogant Attitude"
Some in the Ruling Party Say "Regret Geum Tae-seop's Departure"... Party Members Flood with Critical Comments
Experts Say "Expanding Electoral Base Will Be Difficult in Future Elections"

Former lawmaker Geum Tae-seop attending the party meeting on February 18 / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ga-yeon] Former Democratic Party lawmaker Geum Tae-seop announced his intention to leave the party on the 21st, sparking mixed reactions within the Democratic Party. Some lawmakers criticized Geum as a "political turncoat," while others expressed understanding, showing contrasting responses.

As criticism from citizens who felt the party failed to accept internal criticism continues, concerns are rising that this could lead to a decline in party support. Experts pointed out that securing diversity within the party is becoming difficult, which could negatively impact the party.

On the same day, Geum posted on his Facebook titled "Leaving the Democratic Party," stating, "I have reached a point where I can no longer approve or agree with the direction the party is heading. As a final protest, I submit my resignation with sincerity and earnestness."

He added, "'Ignoring disciplinary retrials' is not the sole reason for my departure. The biggest problem is the arrogant attitude of dividing the people, labeling those with different opinions as criminals or pro-Japanese collaborators, and bullying them," criticizing strongly, "There is an endless leniency toward our side and harshness toward the opposition, a 'double standard' (naeronambul), and shamelessly reversing previous claims without any explanation or justification."

Opinions within the party are also divided over Geum's departure.

Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Nam-guk mocked Geum on his Facebook, calling him a "political turncoat who chases only personal gain and position."

Kim said, "Looking back now, it seems he was trying to find reasons to quarrel with the intention of leaving the party. He only gives interviews to conservative media, posts on Facebook, and unilaterally voices his claims, showing little respect for others in his actions. He always shows an arrogant attitude that only his claims are right," and criticized, "Instead of leaving, he should engage in discussions, persuade, seek understanding, and gather comrades who can share thoughts within the party."

He continued, "To put it simply, his current attitude is a childish and selfish one. I hope he reflects on who is truly arrogant," and condemned, "No matter the reason, this is not a choice based on political conviction or belief but the behavior of a political turncoat chasing position and gain."

Kim Nam-guk, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the plenary meeting of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 21st of last month, explaining the proposed bill. Photo by Yonhap News

On the other hand, lawmakers Park Yong-jin and Cho Eung-cheon, who were also considered principled members within the party alongside Geum, expressed cautious understanding.

Park wrote on his Facebook the same day, "In South Korean politics, we must be wary of factionalism and extreme 'double standards' (naeronambul). Factionalism is an easy trap in political logic. It is easy and convenient for politicians but makes the country difficult and divides the people," and partially agreed with Geum's criticism, saying, "Therefore, factionalism and double standards, which reverse the role of politics, are things politicians must be most careful about."

However, he added, "While I understand his concerns, as someone who 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 choice."

Lawmaker Cho also said, "I cannot help but feel regret and sadness," and "I sympathize with many parts of the statements Geum left."

However, he added, "But his decision to leave is disappointing and regrettable," and "We did not hesitate to speak harshly despite criticism because we wanted 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 my judgment differs from Geum's on this point."

Park Yong-jin, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, is giving a greeting speech at the joint use of facilities agreement ceremony for industry-academia cooperation held at Seoul City Hall on the afternoon of June 29 / Photo by Yonhap News

Among some pro-Moon Jae-in (친문) supporters, criticism toward Geum continues. On social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook, as well as the Democratic Party's rights members' bulletin board, harsh comments targeting Geum and Park, who partially agreed with Geum's views, are pouring in.

Supporters wrote comments such as "Congratulations on leaving," "Don't ever hang around the Democratic camp again," "Good riddance to a bat," "The internal enemy must leave. If you don't like the temple, the monk should leave as a minimum courtesy," and "No need to try. You should go too."

As a result, some raise concerns that Geum's departure might lead to the loss of support from moderate voters. Since Geum was regarded as a principled member within the party, there are calls for internal efforts to accommodate such views.

Experts warn that Geum's departure issue could negatively affect the party's image and future election outcomes.

Political commentator Lee Jong-hoon said, "The Democratic Party is so dominated by pro-Moon Jae-in factions that 'pro-Moon purity' is strong," adding, "When someone makes principled remarks, they tend to be ostracized within the party. From the perspective of current and former lawmakers, their remarks are ignored, and their roles disappear, making it inevitable for them to leave the party."

Lee predicted, "Since the party is only supported by its core base, I don't think the approval rating will drop further. However, it will be difficult to expand the party's base in future elections," and added, "This is clearly an unhealthy phenomenon. It will remain a bad precedent, causing hesitation when new people who could expand the base want to join."