Park Ji-hyun's Claim of 'Approval of Arrest Motion' Puts Democratic Party in Dilemma
'Bulletproof Party' Image Strengthened, Actual Expulsion Difficult
Some Party Members Also Show Support for Park Ji-hyun's Claim
A petition within the party calling for the expulsion of former Democratic Party co-emergency committee chairperson Park Ji-hyun, who urged the approval of the arrest motion against Representative Lee Jae-myung, has gained more than 50,000 signatures, enough to receive an official response. As attention focuses on what response the Democratic Party will issue, there is speculation that reaching the conclusion of expelling former Chairperson Park will not be easy.
The Democratic Party is already under attack from the ruling party as a 'bulletproof party' protecting Lee. If the image of a party that ostracizes internal members who voice opinions different from the mainstream is added, the backlash is bound to grow.
Former Co-Chair of the Emergency Committee of the Democratic Party, Park Ji-hyun. [Image source=Yonhap News]
The petition demanding the expulsion and disciplinary action against former Chairperson Park, posted on the Democratic Party's 'National Response Center' member petition board, gained over 52,000 signatures as of the 27th. This was 11 days after the petition was posted. The Democratic Party issues an official response if a petition receives more than 50,000 signatures from eligible party members within 30 days of posting. Accordingly, the party leadership is expected to soon provide a response to the petition.
Former Chairperson Park continues to insist on the approval of the arrest motion against Representative Lee despite strong internal opposition and criticism. On the 24th, she said, "I really want to stop too. It would be a lie to say that the unanswered echoes, endless malicious comments, and expulsion petitions are not difficult," but added, "The reason I have to keep speaking is that the fall of the Democratic Party and Representative Lee after the rejection of the arrest motion seems very clear."
She stated, "I am afraid of what results will appear if the single front keeps rejecting the prosecution's repeated arrest motions. I think most Democratic Party lawmakers feel similarly," and appealed, "It would be good to truly consider whether rejection or approval will save the Democratic Party. If there is an alternative after rejection, I will stop speaking."
Former Co-Chairperson of the Democratic Party of Korea, Park Ji-hyun, is being interviewed by Asia Economy. / Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@
Some analysts argue that the rejection of the arrest motion is actually the outcome the ruling party desires amid ongoing investigations into Representative Lee's judicial risks. The scenario aims for the Lee arrest motion issue to continue until the general election in April next year, ultimately leading to a crushing defeat for the Democratic Party.
Even if the arrest motion against Representative Lee is rejected at the National Assembly plenary session that day, if the prosecution can reapply for an arrest warrant and the voting procedure on the arrest motion is repeated, the burden on the Democratic Party will inevitably increase.
Within the non-mainstream faction, there are cautious voices suggesting that Representative Lee should resign after the arrest motion is rejected. On the 23rd, Representative Cho Eung-cheon said in an interview with MBC Radio, "There is an opinion that while the motion should be rejected this time, the representative must make some kind of decision."
Within the party, although a minority, there is a movement sympathizing with former Chairperson Park's claims. Former Democratic Party youth spokesperson Hong Seo-yoon wrote on Facebook on the 23rd, "The prosecution will not stop. What will we do then? Reject it again?" and pointed out, "It was a predictable scenario that the prosecution's attempts to damage would not end with just one instance."
She continued, "In that process, it is difficult for the Democratic Party to fulfill its role as the main opposition party. Even if we want to focus on people's lives and engage in agenda battles, if every issue leads to prosecution issues and bulletproofing, it will be hard to regain the public's trust and we will increasingly look ridiculous," emphasizing, "This is not just Park Ji-hyun's claim but the concern of many party members who perceive the current situation from the public's perspective."
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