[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] Following the departure of former lawmaker Geum Tae-seop from the Democratic Party of Korea, there are calls within the party targeting so-called 'principled' politicians to all leave the party. On the other hand, concerns have been raised that diverse voices within the Democratic Party are disappearing, leading to ongoing debates.
On the 22nd, numerous posts related to Geum's departure were uploaded on the Democratic Party's member bulletin board, with opinions also emerging that politicians from other parties who have expressed differing views from the party leadership should leave. One party member posted on the bulletin board, "If a departure survey is conducted on Governor Lee Jae-myung of Gyeonggi Province, more will come out this year than in 2018," effectively urging him to leave the party.
Pressure to leave the party also continued against lawmakers who, along with former lawmaker Geum, have been known for their candid criticism and are nicknamed 'Jogeumbakhae.' 'Jogeumbakhae' is a nickname derived from the surnames of lawmakers Jo Eung-cheon, Park Yong-jin, and Kim Hae-young, who, along with Geum, are classified as principled lawmakers. On the Facebook posts of Park and Jo, critical comments such as "Go out holding hands together," "Next are Park and Jo. This is not someone else's business," and "Follow them" poured in.
One party member wrote on the bulletin board, "Geum Tae-seop, praised by Won Hee-ryong and Kim Moo-sung," adding, "In the end, is he finding his own color and going to the People Power Party? Even considering a run for Seoul mayor, the Democratic Party candidate will win by a large margin. It's a good thing." Another party member wrote, "It's such a relief for the Democratic Party that a prosecutor-turned-politician who only did internal backstabbing is gone," continuing the disparagement and sarcasm toward former lawmaker Geum.
On the other hand, many party members expressed concerns about the disappearance of critical voices within the party. One party member said, "Is it reasonable to lead the party without a single critical force like Geum Tae-seop? Is this a proper organization?" and added, "If a major ruling party cannot tolerate even one critical perspective within the party, is that democracy?" They continued, "Watching Geum's departure, it feels like the Democratic Party's diverse voices are disappearing. I believe the true image of the Democratic Party is one where various voices emerge within the party and fierce debates lead to consensus."
Reactions among Democratic Party lawmakers were as divided as those on the member bulletin board. Since the last general election, Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Nam-guk, who has become a 'sharpshooter' against Geum Tae-seop, sarcastically said, "The reason Geum left the party is to quickly join the People Power Party and prepare for next year's Seoul mayoral by-election or a local by-election," adding, "It seems unlikely he would be re-elected as a lawmaker under the Democratic Party." Democratic Party lawmaker Jeong Cheong-rae also said, "Thinking about the next general election, the People Power Party might be more appealing, but still, Chul-soo hyung, who once shared the same table, feels lonely. This is the time to support him."
However, Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Yong-min, who recently clashed with former lawmaker Geum, expressed regret, saying, "I hope you will always be with us as our society progresses. I look forward to meeting again." Senior Deputy Representative Jeon Jae-soo of the Democratic Party also said, "Who would feel good sending someone away? It's regrettable and unfortunate," but added, "Rather than making those who remain in the party feel powerless with harsh words that they can no longer endure the Democratic Party, I hope there would be warmth even when parting and leaving."
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