Regarding the voices defending Kim Nam-guk, a member of the Democratic Party who left the party amid suspicions involving billions worth of coins, mainly from the party's hardline supporters known as 'Gaeddal,' Ha Tae-kyung, a member of the People Power Party, raised the issue of responsibility of Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the Democratic Party, saying, "They are passively watching Gaeddal's 'Namguk protection.'"
On the 22nd, Ha said through his social media (SNS), "Do they owe Kim, who left the Democratic Party, some kind of emotional debt?"
The term 'emotional debt' was used by former President Moon Jae-in when mentioning former Minister Cho Kuk during a New Year's press conference in early 2020. This is interpreted as a subtle indication that the Kim Nam-guk incident is having as significant an impact on the Democratic Party as the 'Cho Kuk incident.'
Ha pointed out the defense of Kim Nam-guk by lawmaker Yang Yi-won-young and the text message harassment by Gaeddal supporters targeting the anti-Gaeddal faction within the party, calling it "a level of moral collapse that cannot be called a public party." He added, "The problem lies with Leader Lee. The Democratic Party reluctantly referred Kim to the Ethics Committee under public pressure. However, Lee's attitude is perceived by his supporters, Gaeddal, as an instruction to protect Nam-guk, which has resulted in text message harassment against the anti-Gaeddal faction."
He said, "If you are the leader of a public party, strongly warn the Democratic Party lawmakers and Gaeddal supporters who are shouting for Namguk protection and cooperate promptly with the Ethics Committee's disciplinary actions," and raised his voice, "If you have any respect for the common sense of the people, immediately sever ties with Namguk protection."
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