The Democratic Party reaffirmed its plan to re-push the impeachment motion against Lee Dong-gwan, Chairman of the Korea Communications Commission.
On the 12th, Cho Jung-sik, the party secretary-general, held a press briefing at the National Assembly and said, "To stop the regime's oppression such as indiscriminate raids, censorship, and threats of closure against the media, we will definitely carry out the impeachment of Chairman Lee and a national investigation into the 'broadcasting takeover.'"
Secretary-General Cho submitted a withdrawal letter for the impeachment motion, which was submitted on the 9th but not voted on, to prevent its automatic dismissal, and Kim Jin-pyo, the National Assembly Speaker from the Democratic Party, approved it on the 10th.
The People Power Party argued that since the agenda was reported at the plenary session on the 9th, it should be considered as having been placed on the agenda, and therefore the withdrawal of the impeachment motion without plenary consent is illegal. However, the Democratic Party rebutted that this is not true.
Secretary-General Cho stated, "Only when it is drafted in the schedule and submitted can it be called an 'agenda.' The impeachment motion was reported, not submitted, at the plenary session on the 9th, so the ruling party should not distort the situation with unreasonable claims."
He also announced that the impeachment motion will be reintroduced and voted on at the plenary sessions scheduled for the 30th of this month and the 1st of next month.
Regarding the ruling party's plan to file a constitutional dispute against Speaker Kim, he criticized it as "an extension of a trick to protect Chairman Lee at all costs and take over broadcasting."
The Democratic Party also reiterated its intention to push for the impeachment of Prosecutor Son Jun-sung, who is suspected of involvement in the alleged report-for-prosecution scandal, and Prosecutor Lee Jung-seop, who has been controversial for his children's disguised residential moves.
Secretary-General Cho criticized Prosecutor General Lee Won-seok's backlash, saying "Impeach me," as "highly inappropriate" and urged the prosecution to reflect on its own abuse and misuse of power.
Meanwhile, Secretary-General Cho drew a line on calls within the party urging Representative Lee Jae-myung to run in a difficult district, saying, "It has not been considered."
Regarding the statement by non-Lee Jae-myung faction lawmakers, including Lee Won-wook, that they will soon form a group and take collective action against the leadership, he evaluated, "It is natural for a democratic party to have diversity."
On the issue of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk hinting at a possible run in next year's general election, which has drawn attention to the Democratic Party's response, he said, "I don't know what former Minister Cho will do. It is inappropriate to comment."
Han Byung-do, a lawmaker who attended the briefing as the party's Strategic Planning Committee chairman, said, "I believe former Minister Cho will not take actions that harm the Democratic Party or cause conflicts with the party," and added, "There is no communication with the party, and I understand he is contemplating many things alone."
When asked whether the ruling party has preempted livelihood issues such as the incorporation of Gimpo City, Gyeonggi Province, into Seoul, Han said, "I find it hard to agree with such an assessment," and added, "There is no value in responding to policies thrown out in an 'if not, then never mind' manner."
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