Baehyun Jin Announces Vote Participation
"Did Not Reveal Support or Opposition... Secret Ballot Principle Maintained"
"Do Not Cause Trouble by Visiting Local Offices"
Baek Hyun-jin, a member of the People Power Party (PPP) representing Seoul Songpa-eul, criticized those conducting truck protests in her constituency after not participating in the impeachment vote against President Yoon Seok-yeol on the 7th.
On the 13th, Baek posted on her social media account, "In these times, it is utterly pathetic that some merchants like Jeon Gwang-hoon are misleading innocent parents." She added, "I said I would participate in the plenary vote, but I never publicly disclosed my stance for or against it," emphasizing, "I have never violated the principle of secret ballot and will not do so in the future. I will never make a choice that hands the country over to Lee Jae-myung."
Citizens conducting a truck protest targeting Bae Hyun-jin, a member of the People Power Party. Bae Hyun-jin's Facebook
She continued, "Why do you go to the local office buildings where young people quietly work and cause trouble?" and stated, "I am in the National Assembly." Furthermore, she warned, "Do not cross the line by stirring up the anxious hearts of innocent elders as if you are a pastor or a shaman using some kind of mind-reading technique." She urged, "Mothers and fathers, please do not go around worrying your children in this cold weather; pray at home. For the country and for your children." Along with this, she attached photos of truck protests displaying placards reading 'Expelling Baek Hyun-jin is the start of right-wing unity' and 'Traitor Baek Hyun-jin, leave the party.'
Earlier, immediately after President Yoon declared martial law, Baek stated, "Under no circumstances can I condone any unjustified political suicide that threatens the lives and safety of the people and undermines the values of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea," and added, "The President must provide a detailed explanation to the people regarding this incomprehensible situation." However, she was criticized for not attending the impeachment vote held in the National Assembly on the 7th along with party members. Later, on the 10th, she posted a brief message on social media saying, "I will participate in this week's vote." She also told reporters at the National Assembly, "I will enter the vote," and acknowledged, "I agree that the collective absence during the first vote was a major mistake by the party."
According to the ruling party on the 13th, seven PPP lawmakers?Cho Kyung-tae, Ahn Cheol-soo, Kim Sang-wook, Kim Ye-ji, Kim Jae-seop, Jin Jong-oh, and Han Ji-ah?have publicly expressed support for impeachment. For the impeachment motion against President Yoon to pass in the National Assembly, two-thirds of the total members must vote in favor, meaning that along with 192 opposition lawmakers, eight defections from the ruling party are required.
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