Some First-Term Members of the People Power Party Urge Resignation of Kwak Sang-do, Who Has Lost Qualifications as a National Assembly Member

"My Own Family Can't Always Be Shielded
We Must Uphold the Spirit and Resolve of Eupchamma-sok"

Independent lawmaker Gwak Sang-do Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Lee] Some first-term members of the People Power Party have called for the resignation of Gwak Sang-do, who recently left the party, from his position as a member of the National Assembly.

On the 27th, People Power Party lawmakers Kang Min-guk, Park Dae-soo, Park Seong-min, Baek Jong-heon, Eom Tae-young, Jeong Dong-man, and Choi Seung-jae held a press conference, stating, "The 5 billion KRW retirement payment that Gwak's 32-year-old son reportedly received from Hwacheon Daeyu is something the public cannot possibly accept, regardless of the reasons."

At the press conference, lawmaker Park Seong-min said, "Due to this incident, Gwak has already lost his qualifications as a public official and as a member of the National Assembly," adding, "Clinging to his position despite this is an act of mocking the people."

He continued, "As fellow party members, we also feel an immense sense of responsibility," but emphasized, "We cannot simply cover for one of our own. We must establish a resolute will and determination to reform the conservative party anew, even if it means making painful decisions."

He further urged, "Whether there is legal responsibility will be revealed through the investigation process, but as a public figure, the political responsibility is inevitably heavy," and called on Gwak to "cleanly step down from his position and cooperate with the investigation."