Voices of 'Absolute Opposition to Resignation'... Decision in the Hands of 'Lee Jae-myung'

Judicial Risks and General Election Response 'Complex Equation'
Kim Du-kwan "Firmly Opposes Lee Jae-myung's Resignation Theory"
Lee Gae-ho Mentions Lee Jae-myung's Autumn Resignation Theory

The internal strife within the Democratic Party caused by the rejection of the arrest consent bill for Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is intensifying. While some within the party have proposed an 'orderly resignation theory' that maintains Lee's leadership until autumn before transitioning to a non-standing committee, voices shouting 'absolute opposition to resignation' are also growing louder.

Considering the impact of Lee's judicial risks on the general election, it is pointed out that the final decision ultimately depends on Lee's own determination.

Kim Doo-kwan, a Democratic Party lawmaker considered part of the 'pro-Chinmyeong faction,' posted on his social media on the 15th a message titled "Orderly resignation of Lee Jae-myung? Absolutely opposed," opposing the 'resignation theory' within the party.

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the launch ceremony of the Countermeasures Committee against Humiliating Diplomacy toward Japan held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on the 13th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

He said, "After the vote on the arrest consent bill that surprised everyone and the death of a former secretary-general, the 'orderly resignation theory' regarding Lee is being discussed within the Democratic Party," adding, "If you are a Democratic Party lawmaker, you should stand against the prosecution's wrongful investigation, not discuss the leader's resignation as an excuse for the wrongful investigation." Kim is also rumored to be a candidate for the party floor leader expected next month.

Kim raised his voice because the 'orderly resignation theory' continues to be mentioned within the party. The idea is that Lee would resign around autumn, transition to a non-standing committee system, and contest the general election. Ko Min-jung, a Supreme Council member, also viewed the timing of Lee's decision as late summer to early autumn. Lee Gae-ho, a lawmaker leading the nomination task force from the pro-Myung faction, said on CBS's "Kim Hyun-jung's News Show" that "someone who knows Lee's mind well said that, so I don't know who it is, but it is quite reasonable and close to the truth."

Pro-Myung faction lawmakers have drawn a line, saying it is not yet time to discuss this, but it is uncertain whether the internal discord over the resignation theory will easily subside. Kim Young-jin and Park Joo-min, Democratic Party lawmakers classified as 'pro-Myung faction,' appeared on SBS and YTN radio respectively on the same day, saying, "Talking about that now is purely hypothetical," and "It is not desirable to talk about such things immediately."

The emergence of the resignation theory is due to growing concerns that Lee's judicial risks ahead of the April general election next year could negatively affect the election. In particular, the recent death of a former secretary-general, a close aide during Lee's time as governor of Gyeonggi Province, has raised questions about his 'responsibility.'

As the judicial risks surrounding Lee increase, there are also calls for Lee to make a decision himself. Former People Power Party emergency committee chairman Kim Jong-in said on CBS radio that "Ultimately, the person who must make the final decision regarding the party's direction is Lee," adding, "What is most effective for the party and for next year's general election must be judged based on that standard."