Dissatisfaction Erupts Among Opposition Factions
"Questions Raised Over Representative Leadership and Political Judgment"
Criticism Continues from Jo Eung-cheon, Lee Sang-min, and Others
The calls for the resignation of Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, which had been quiet for a while, are resurfacing. Following the money envelope scandal at the party convention, and the controversy over lawmaker Kim Nam-guk's large-scale cryptocurrency holdings and investments, dissatisfaction has poured out over the party's lukewarm and weak response to the situation.
Criticism has also been raised that the party has lost its ability to self-purify as it repeatedly resorts to scapegoating responses such as "the problem-causing lawmaker has left the party, so it's resolved." Inside the party, there is a widespread sense of crisis that it will be difficult to win next year's general election under the current leadership.
Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is apologizing for recent party issues, including the departure of lawmaker Kim Nam-guk, at a party meeting held at the National Assembly on the 14th. [Image source=Yonhap News]
Kim Nam-guk, who became embroiled in controversy over allegations of large-scale cryptocurrency investments, left the party on the 14th, just nine days after the allegations surfaced amid worsening public opinion. This occurred while the party's fact-finding investigation and ethical inspection were underway. Through Facebook, Kim declared his departure, stating that he was "temporarily leaving the Democratic Party." This was interpreted as implying that he might rejoin the party once the situation is resolved.
With Kim's departure, the party-level fact-finding investigation and ethical inspection effectively lost their efficacy, leading to criticism of his exit as a "cunning resignation" and a "scapegoating response." Some within the party pointed out that "voluntary resignation that nullifies disciplinary action must be prevented," but Chief Spokesperson Kwon Chil-seung dismissed this, saying, "There is no legal way to prevent Kim's voluntary resignation. It is based on (his) free will."
Previously, in relation to the 2021 party convention money envelope scandal, key figures including former party leader Song Young-gil and lawmakers Yoon Kwan-seok and Lee Sung-man also recently left the party. At that time, there were criticisms that the party leadership was trying to sweep the issue under the rug by letting the individuals leave without taking responsibility for the situation.
Inside the party, dissatisfaction is erupting over Lee Jae-myung's failure to take a firm stance against Kim Nam-guk. Some argue that the leadership hesitated to take strict measures such as preemptive disciplinary action, expulsion, or dismissal against Kim at the party level, effectively buying time for Kim to resign voluntarily.
Kim Nam-guk, who recently left the Democratic Party of Korea amid controversy over holding a large amount of cryptocurrency. [Image source=Yonhap News]
In particular, questions are being raised about why, despite many lawmakers expressing at the parliamentary meeting held on the 14th immediately after Kim's resignation that he should be reported to the National Assembly Ethics Committee, such content was not reflected in the final resolution.
In an interview with YTN Radio's "News King with Park Ji-hoon," Democratic Party lawmaker Cho Eung-cheon pointed out, "At the moment, almost all lawmakers agreed that it was possible to file an ethics complaint against Kim, but when the resolution was announced, that part was missing," adding, "I continue to feel that the party leadership's attitude is quite lukewarm."
He continued, "The party is too complacent, as public opinion worsens before the party can take proactive and active measures, leading to forced resignations. The Democratic Party is deepening its image of sentimentalism, protecting only its own side, and double standards," and said, "There are even talks now questioning whether there is a problem with the party leader's leadership and political judgment."
Lawmaker Lee Sang-min criticized the content of the parliamentary resolution stating "We will embark on fundamental reflection and full-scale reform with the determination to reestablish the party," on Facebook, saying, "I had no expectations, but it is indeed hollow," and "For that resolution to be sincere and effective, measures against Lee Jae-myung, the existing structure and target of reform, and his loyal faction must be taken first. Otherwise, it is nothing but a fiction."
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