Gaeddal 'Watermelon List' Uploaded... Bimyeong-gye Suffers from 'Text Bomb' Fever

After the Rejection of the Arrest Motion for Lee Jae-myung
Text and Call Flood to 'Gaeddal' Progressive Lawmaker
"Seems They Need Someone to Stigmatize"

Although the arrest motion against Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, was rejected, at least 31 dissenting votes have caused ripples within the party. In particular, Lee’s hardcore supporters, known as the so-called 'Gaeddal (Daughters of Reform),' have created and circulated a list of anti-Lee (non-Lee Jae-myung faction) lawmakers, reportedly calling and texting those lawmakers.

On the morning of the 28th, Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Sang-min appeared on YTN Radio and said that Lee’s supporters have been sending him messages such as "You’re the one who voted in favor," "We won’t leave you alone," and "We will root you out." He expressed concern, saying, "If these things expand and reproduce, it will not be a beautiful and intense debate but could escalate into a low-level fight." He added, "The entire party is in a very bad shape," and said, "If we do not awaken and reform ourselves, I believe we will face even greater disaster."

In fact, on online communities such as Lee’s fan cafe 'Jaemyeong’s Village,' a list called 'Subak (watermelon),' referring to lawmakers who are different on the outside and inside within the Democratic Party, is being circulated. One Democratic Party lawmaker named on the list told Asia Economy in a phone interview that he is "receiving an enormous number of texts and calls," and said, "I can’t even say that it’s not me, so I’m just staying quiet."

He pointed out, "Only our party’s situation has become difficult," and said, "We should not provoke each other but find ways to resolve this. Why is the leadership telling us, 'You guys get out, or you’re Subak'?" He went on to explain, "(The votes in favor) might have come from areas like the metropolitan region that are affected by the general election, where there was more concern than expected," and added, "I was surprised that there were more votes in favor than I thought."

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is saluting the national flag at the party members' meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on the 21st. The Democratic Party will discuss the issue of processing the arrest consent motion for Lee, following the prosecution's request for an arrest warrant, at this members' meeting. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

Another party lawmaker on the list said, "I am receiving texts," and strongly criticized, "No matter what happens, they seem to be pressuring to find out who voted how and to root them out. How undemocratic is that?" He pointed out, "One of the things making the party very difficult is the actions of the Gaeddal."

Lawmakers listed are struggling with a barrage of texts and calls from supporters. One aide lamented, "Honestly, I don’t think anyone really knows whether our lawmaker voted against or in favor," and said, "They respond by asking why people are so quick to judge." He diagnosed, "It seems like they need someone to stigmatize out of a sense of regret for Lee."

Another aide said, "We are receiving calls," and asked, "Who has the authority to investigate each lawmaker’s conscience?" Yet another aide said, "The phone bombarding seems likely to get worse," and added, "The lawmakers are also in a state of confusion."

As the prosecution is expected to request an arrest warrant for Lee again, the conflict between the pro-Lee faction and the anti-Lee faction is likely to intensify further. One lawmaker on the list said, "The challenge is how well our party can manage internal conflicts until the next arrest motion comes."