Park Hong-geun: "If Yoon refuses to dismiss Lee Sang-min today, I will hold him accountable starting tomorrow"

Opposition Demands Yoon's Decision by Today
Broad Review of Dismissal Recommendation and Impeachment Proposal

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] The opposition party, which is demanding the dismissal of Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min, who is held responsible for the 'Itaewon tragedy,' declared that if the Presidential Office refuses to dismiss him today (28th), they will begin direct action starting tomorrow (29th). The party is reportedly considering all possibilities, including a motion for dismissal and impeachment against Minister Lee.

Park Hong-geun, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, said at the party's Supreme Council meeting on the 28th, "Today is the deadline for Minister Lee's dismissal," and urged, "President Yoon Seok-yeol should no longer test the patience of the people and immediately dismiss Minister Lee."

He continued, "It has been a month since the tragedy occurred. I hope to see a belated decision by the end of today," adding, "If the dismissal is ultimately refused, the Democratic Party will take firm action in the National Assembly from tomorrow on behalf of the bereaved families and the people to hold those responsible accountable."

He emphasized, "The demand for Minister Lee's dismissal is not just my or the Democratic Party's request," and said, "It is the solemn demand of the people who have been watching the entire process of the Itaewon tragedy."

Addressing the ruling party, he said, "The People Power Party should not stubbornly protect Minister Lee under the influence of 'Yoon Core Group' (key associates of President Yoon Seok-yeol) but should read the public sentiment correctly," and added, "They threaten that if the Democratic Party insists on Minister Lee's dismissal, they might boycott the state audit. The threats and abusive politics of the People Power Party no longer work."

Floor leader Park reiterated the responsibility of high-ranking officials. He said, "When major disasters such as the Seohae ferry, Seongsu Bridge, Sampoong Department Store, and Sewol ferry occurred, the Prime Minister and ministers expressed their intention to resign and stepped down not at the time when the investigation, inquiry, or legal responsibility was concluded," and stated, "The President must choose between the people and Minister Lee."

Regarding the party's action plan, Chief Spokesperson Ahn Ho-young said in a back briefing after the Supreme Council meeting that "Since the deadline is today, we will decide after seeing the government's and President's stance by the end of today." On future plans, he explained, "Nothing specific has been decided yet, but the floor is reviewing all possible methods."