Lee Jae-myung "Must Hold Accountable for Second Act of Rebellion"
The Democratic Party of Korea showed conflicting stances regarding the impeachment of Choi Sang-mok, Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Strategy and Finance. Six-term lawmaker Chu Mi-ae argued that impeachment should be considered for the normalization of state affairs, while five-term lawmaker Park Ji-won expressed a different opinion, calling it "premature."
Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Chu Mi-ae is speaking at a senior lawmakers' meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the morning of the 6th. Photo by Yonhap News
On the 6th, at a senior party members' meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, Rep. Chu pointed out, "Acting Prime Minister Choi said he would not interfere in politics but is avoiding the responsibilities he should take as acting minister and is planning meetings with conglomerate heads," adding, "He is truly indulging in presidential play." She continued, "I urge Acting Prime Minister Choi to fulfill his authority and duties so that the ringleader of the rebellion can be arrested as soon as possible," emphasizing, "If not, the National Assembly cannot help but consider not only criminal charges but also impeachment as the last resort for the normalization of state affairs."
Rep. Park expressed the opinion that impeaching Acting Prime Minister Choi is premature. He said, "We must acknowledge that Acting Prime Minister Choi appointed two constitutional court justices, creating an eight-member Constitutional Court," and added, "The Democratic Party should prioritize the arrest of President Yoon Seok-yeol together with opposition citizens." While stating, "We have significant dissatisfaction with Acting Prime Minister Choi," he pointed out, "It is premature for the Democratic Party to talk about impeaching him."
Amid the divided opinions among senior members, Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung called for stronger pressure on Acting Prime Minister Choi. At a party meeting held at the National Assembly that day, Lee said, "The acting president, who is responsible for resolving this situation, seems to be engaging in acts that disrupt order rather than fulfilling the responsibility of maintaining it," adding, "I believe this is another act of rebellion aimed at pursuing private interests through disorder. We must strictly hold Acting Prime Minister Choi accountable for his disorderly conduct and this second act of rebellion."
The Democratic Party has begun filing complaints against Acting Prime Minister Choi. After the party meeting, Chief Spokesperson Cho Seung-rae told reporters, "Failing to promptly recommend a permanent special prosecutor or appoint constitutional court justices and Supreme Court justices is a clear dereliction of duty," and stated, "Since Acting Prime Minister Choi can only be seen as complicit in acts that destroy legal order and liberal democracy, if related measures are not taken today, we will file charges."
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