Park Hong-geun: "If Lee Sang-min Does Not Resign After the National Audit, Impeachment Is Inevitable"

"Ruling Party: If National Investigation Extension Is Rejected, We Will Push Through Alone"

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] Park Hong-geun, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, regarding the responsibility for the Itaewon tragedy and the position of Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min, stated, "It would be best if he voluntarily steps down after the police investigation and the national audit are completed, but if that does not happen, the next step will inevitably be impeachment according to the will of the people."

On the 4th, on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show,' Floor Leader Park said, "We will keep all possibilities open, including impeachment," and added, "I met with the bereaved families yesterday, and they are strongly demanding accountability related to Minister Lee." He continued, "The public also has a strong sense of problem regarding the lack of an official apology from the president about the Itaewon tragedy and Minister Lee's refusal to take responsibility and his persistence."

Park Hong-geun, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the floor strategy meeting held at the National Assembly on the 22nd of last month, delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

He further emphasized, "In a situation where such a large-scale tragedy has occurred and no one takes responsibility, if legal responsibility is not pursued, it ultimately means the case will have to go to the Supreme Court, which is unacceptable." He added, "Whenever there have been major tragedies in the past, whether it was the prime minister or the relevant minister, they took responsibility and stepped down, and also faced judicial accountability."

Regarding the extension of the national audit period, he argued, "It should be extended by at least ten more days." Floor Leader Park said, "The People Power Party has also called for measures to prevent recurrence, and considering the final report and the third hearing, the period must naturally be extended," and added, "If the People Power Party ultimately refuses, we will have no choice but to enforce the extension unilaterally."

Regarding President Yoon Seok-yeol's initiative on the reform of the multi-member constituency system, he explained, "Each electoral system has its pros and cons, such as entrenching the vested interests of senior lawmakers and making it difficult for political newcomers to enter," and said, "We will discuss it taking those factors into account."