Lee Jun-seok Mentions 'Expulsion of Kwak Sang-do'... "Voluntary Resignation Matches Public Expectations"

Lee Jun-seok, Leader of the People Power Party (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kum Bo-ryeong] Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, has called for the resignation of lawmaker Kwak Sang-do. He warned of a "strict response," even mentioning "expulsion" if a voluntary resignation does not occur.

On the morning of the 28th, Lee appeared on YTN Radio's "Hwang Bo-seon's Starting New Morning" and responded to the question, "Do you think it is right for lawmaker Kwak to resign on his own?" by saying, "Of course, doing so would meet the current public expectations."

Lawmaker Kwak resigned from the party on the 26th after it was revealed that his son received 5 billion won as severance pay from Hwacheon Daeyu Asset Management (Hwacheon Daeyu), sparking controversy.

Lee went further by mentioning "expulsion." He said, "If lawmaker Kwak does not decide to resign, there will be procedures such as the National Assembly Ethics Committee or even talks of expulsion, but such cases have rarely been properly carried out until now. However, in this case, I believe there is a direction of cooperation among the floor members that aligns with public expectations."

Lee also stated, "Since he is no longer part of the party, we have no choice but to comment on the lawmaker's status," adding, "No matter how much he is a former member of our party, the party will take a very strict stance regarding lawmaker Kwak's status going forward."