'Lee Jae-myung Arrest Motion Passed'... Pro-Lee Faction Says "Blood Boils"

Democratic Party in Disarray... "What Should We Do Now?"

With the approval of the arrest motion against Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, there are reactions of dismay within the party.

Democratic Party of Korea lawmakers wore somber expressions on the 21st in the National Assembly plenary session hall as the arrest motion for Representative Lee Jae-myung was passed. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

At the National Assembly plenary session held on the 21st, the arrest motion against Lee was passed with 149 votes in favor and 136 against out of 295 anonymous votes from ruling and opposition party members. There were 6 invalid votes and 4 abstentions.

Assemblyman Jung Cheong-rae wrote on his Facebook, "I am sorry. I apologize," adding, "I will protect Leader Lee until the end. Please do not leave the party and stay by his side."

Assemblyman Han Jun-ho posted on social media, "It is heartbreaking. Tears of blood flow. I am sorry." Assemblyman Jeon Yong-gi said, "My blood boils. We will reorganize our ranks. It seems we have to fight a bigger battle than expected."

Assemblyman Kang Deuk-gu wrote, "Still, I believed in the progress of history and my fellow lawmakers, but I am stunned," adding, "The Democratic Party must also die." Assemblywoman Yang Yi-won-young said, "Given the discussions we have had so far, I cannot believe that 28 of our party members voted in favor," and asked, "What should we do now?"

Assemblywoman Lee Soo-jin (proportional representation) also wrote, "Did we really have to throw Leader Lee Jae-myung into the trap set by the Yoon Seok-yeol administration?" adding, "It is so frustrating and tragic. My whole body feels torn and shredded."