Democratic Party Lawmaker, BBS Radio Interview
"Democratic Party Is Currently in a Very Bad State"
Criticism of Leader Lee Jae-myung's Handling of Kim Nam-guk Incident
Kim Jong-min, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated in an interview with BBS Radio's 'Jeon Young-shin's Morning Journal' on the 16th, "I believe that the time given to Representative Lee Jae-myung is not that much left."
Kim said, "Because of Representative Lee Jae-myung, the Yoon Seok-yeol administration is performing so poorly, and despite the public's distrust and dissatisfaction, the public sentiment is not shifting to the Democratic Party. Rather, it is sustaining the Yoon Seok-yeol administration. This voice is emerging," he claimed.
Kim also criticized the handling of the situation surrounding Representative Kim Nam-guk. He said, "The Democratic Party is currently in a very bad state. Very bad. What I feel is somewhat different from what appears in the opinion polls."
Kim said, "I also made such remarks at the members' general meeting. How should we handle each issue, such as the money envelope incident or Representative Kim Nam-guk's coin issue? This is also a very important matter," adding, "But overall, what the public sees and what remains in their hearts is how the Democratic Party leadership or Representative Lee Jae-myung responds to this issue with what attitude and stance. That is what remains in the end."
Kim stated, "Even if Representative Kim Nam-guk is very close to Representative Lee Jae-myung, it must be difficult on a personal level. But that is what leadership is about," "Even if it is personally difficult, that is why the old saying 'eupchamma-sok' (sacrificing a close one for the greater good) exists. Even if it is a close aide, what must be done for the whole and for our party should be done. That is what leadership is, and that is why it is difficult."
Kim added, "Based on the facts revealed so far, the public can view that they do not have the qualifications to be a member of the National Assembly. The core issue is not necessarily a legal problem."
Kim said, "If this is not resolved within the next few months, I believe that Representative Lee Jae-myung's time is not unlimited. Therefore, I truly feel a sense of urgency and crisis, and we must really innovate the Democratic Party regarding this issue, truly reform politics and the party, and show that the Democratic Party is changing."
Kim warned, "Then, only by giving votes and support to the Democratic Party to oppose the Yoon Seok-yeol government will the Yoon Seok-yeol administration come to its senses. Trust must be given, but currently, even though Yoon Seok-yeol is performing so poorly, people say the Democratic Party is even more problematic. So, the public sentiment is more like, 'Well, even if Yoon Seok-yeol is doing badly, let's just watch and see.' If this public opinion spreads further, it will be a great sin in history for our Democratic Party."
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