The Real Reason Behind the Fading 'Lee Jae-myung Resignation Movement' Within the Democratic Party

Opposition's Protest Rally Against Yoon Government and Boycott of Policy Speech
Park Jihyun, Former Critic of Lee, Joins in "Unprecedented Opposition Suppression"
Unity Seen as Targeting Not Only Lee but Also Moon Government in Political Purge

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, along with lawmakers and non-affiliated committee chairpersons, held a "Rally Condemning the Yoon Seok-yeol Government's Livelihood Collapse and Prosecutorial Dictatorship" on the main stairs of the National Assembly building on the 26th. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] The Democratic Party of Korea has defined the prosecution's investigation into Representative Lee Jae-myung as political retaliation and launched a struggle against the ruling party. This marks a change from just recently when harsh criticism mainly from the non-mainstream faction was directed at Lee regarding the Daejang-dong development corruption allegations and the controversy over his holding stocks in defense companies.

On the 26th, the Democratic Party gathered its members, including lawmakers, out-of-office regional committee heads, party officials, and aides, on the steps in front of the National Assembly main building to hold the 'Yoon Seok-yeol Regime Livelihood Collapse and Prosecution Dictatorship Condemnation Rally.' On the same day, Representative Lee stated, "The current government, through oppression of the opposition and attacks on the previous administration, has created a livelihood disaster, a defense disaster, a diplomatic disaster, and an economic disaster that cannot be concealed," adding, "Ignoring the livelihood collapse and national crisis while wasting national capabilities on oppressing the opposition and political retaliation is a sin," criticizing the government. The Democratic Party also boycotted President Yoon Seok-yeol's budget speech to the National Assembly for next year the day before.

At one point, there was a call within the party for Representative Lee's resignation. Kim Hae-young, a member of the reformist faction, publicly demanded Lee's resignation, saying, "Please step down from the stage of history now," after allegations of illegal presidential election funds surfaced. Jeon Jae-soo, classified as part of the non-mainstream faction, criticized Lee's controversy over holding defense industry stocks as "disappointing."

However, within less than a week, this trend subsided. On the 26th, in an interview with SBS Radio's 'Kim Taehyun's Political Show,' Representative Jeon criticized Kim's call for Lee's resignation, saying, "The opponent has declared a political civil war and is fighting a war; would such words be helpful? It is not only ill-timed but also regrettable."

Park Ji-hyun, former emergency committee chairperson who had consistently been critical of Representative Lee, also sent a message that now he should be supported. In a post on Facebook, Park said, "At this unprecedented opposition oppression, when the fate of the party is at stake, if the party leader steps down without an alternative, the party will face another crisis," emphasizing, "We must gather strength and wisdom more than ever to overcome the crisis."

On the 25th, as President Yoon Seok-yeol entered the National Assembly main building to deliver the budget speech for next year, Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, and lawmakers were holding a picket protest. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

At this point, the Democratic Party's unified voice regardless of faction is not only due to the political purge targeting Representative Lee. After Kim Yong, deputy director of the Democratic Research Institute and a close aide to Lee, was arrested, the prosecution's search of the Democratic Research Institute located in the Yeouido Democratic Party headquarters has sparked strong opposition. This indicates that the party views the prosecution's investigation as 'oppression of the opposition' and a threat to the entire Democratic Party.

Above all, the fact that figures from the Moon Jae-in administration are being arrested or investigated, with the prosecution's focus targeting the previous government, seems to be another reason for the Democratic Party's consolidation. On the 22nd, with the arrest of former Defense Minister Seo Wook and former Coast Guard Commissioner Kim Hong-hee related to the West Sea public official shooting incident, investigations into the 'upper echelon' of the Moon administration's security line have intensified. Pressure for resignation is also growing amid the Board of Audit and Inspection's audit and prosecution investigation requests concerning former Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission Chairperson Jeon Hyun-hee, who was appointed during the Moon administration. It is analyzed that a consensus has formed that the party must unite to respond to the all-out investigations and audits targeting the ruling party.

Hyun Geun-taek, former spokesperson for the Democratic Party's election committee, appeared on 'YTN News Night' and said, "In a way, the prosecution's blade is not only investigating Representative Lee but also former President Moon Jae-in, and not only Chairperson Jeon Hyun-hee but many related to the Democratic Party," adding, "Most of the party's internal opinion fundamentally perceives this as 'political retaliation.'"

However, as various investigations related to Representative Lee and his aides proceed and allegations become more concrete and proven, there is also a prospect that the Democratic Party's atmosphere may change again depending on the investigation results.