[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] On the 2nd, the Democratic Party of Korea decided at a party caucus meeting to delegate the special investigation on First Lady Kim Geon-hee and the impeachment of Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min to the party leadership. While they initially aimed to make the impeachment of Minister Lee a party stance, it appears that additional opinion-gathering procedures will be undertaken.
At the caucus meeting held that day, the Democratic Party discussed the special investigation on First Lady Kim, the impeachment of Minister Lee, and directions for responding to the livelihood crisis.
After the caucus, Lee Su-jin, the Democratic Party floor spokesperson, stated, "The members have entrusted the leadership with the special investigation and the impeachment of Minister Lee," adding, "We judged that further collection of opinions from many members is necessary, so we decided to gather opinions from those who could not fully express their views today and then reach a conclusion."
Since the Democratic Party floor leadership had previously declared a party stance regarding Minister Lee's impeachment, the decision to delegate to the leadership seems to be a temporary pause. The Democratic Party plans to go through additional opinion-gathering procedures and leadership decisions. Regarding the opinion-gathering process, the spokesperson explained, "We may hold another caucus meeting for deliberation, and if it is difficult for local members to attend, we can use other methods such as online meetings."
The spokesperson also said about the impeachment, "A decision will be made before next week's plenary session."
It was reported that within the Democratic Party, there was a sense of burden regarding the impeachment process, considering that it involves the Constitutional Court's judgment. Additionally, concerns were raised about Kim Do-eup, the chairman of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee from the People Power Party, who has opposed impeachment and is serving as an impeachment prosecutor.
At the caucus meeting that day, a total of 17 members spoke, and time was spent discussing the overall response direction of the Democratic Party.
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