Choi Kang-wook: "I Understand the Sentiment, but the 'Salsengbu' Is Not Desirable"

"Tukgeori Rejection Incident Could Become an Opportunity for Unity"

Choi Kang-wook, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, requested restraint, calling the creation of a 'hit list' by party members targeting lawmakers who cast dissenting votes in the arrest motion vote against Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung the previous day "an undesirable act."

On the 28th, on MBC's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus,' Rep. Choi said, "I can fully understand the feelings involved. However, it is not desirable for this to lead to the disclosure or confirmation of a list targeting specific individuals," adding, "It is impossible to verify this perfectly, and based on various circumstances, one can only speculate."

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is seen conversing with fellow lawmakers after delivering a personal statement regarding the submission of a motion for his arrest during the plenary session held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on the 27th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

The arrest motion against Lee leader was rejected the previous day with 139 votes in favor, 138 against, 9 abstentions, and 11 invalid votes out of 297 members present, but the opposition votes fell short of the initially expected 170 votes, causing a stir. This is the so-called 'dissenting votes.' In response, supporters of Lee, known as 'Gaeddal (Daughters of Reform),' have been sharing various lists online of lawmakers who are likely to have voted in favor.

However, due to the nature of secret ballots, this can only be 'speculation.' Rep. Choi said, "I saw the list circulating on some SNS yesterday, but from my perspective, many included there made me wonder, 'Did this person really do that?'" adding, "So, I think we need to calm down the emotional aspects and look at this rationally."

At the same time, Rep. Choi said, "If some people, worried that 'It would be risky for me to continue politics under the current leadership,' acted this way thinking about the next nomination, then those who want to induce or consider party division would applaud," but added, "I want to believe it is not to that extent," indirectly criticizing the lawmakers who voted in favor.

He also expressed hope that this 'narrow rejection' incident could serve as an opportunity to unite the party. He said, "Many were surprised by yesterday's result, and we ourselves were disappointed, so if this atmosphere continues, well, I don't think it necessarily will," adding, "Rather, this could become a catalyst for unity."

Some interpret the mass dissenting votes as a result of Lee not responding to calls for resignation from the non-Myeong faction. Regarding this, Rep. Choi said, "There were talks within the party about whether he should resign, but I do not have enough facts to believe that someone intentionally orchestrated this with that in mind," and refrained from further comment.