Kim Du-kwan: "Colluding with the prosecution to pass the arrest consent? 'Hypocritical' Lee Jae-myung should apologize"

"Remarks Targeting Internal Factions... Could Not Hide My Shock"
"Apologize and Take the Path of Unity"

Former Member of the Democratic Party Kim Du-kwan. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju

Former Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Du-kwan criticized party leader Lee Jae-myung, who mentioned the past approval of his arrest warrant, saying he is "dividing the Democratic Party."

On the 6th, Kim posted on his social media (SNS) under the title "What is the true nature of Leader Lee Jae-myung?" stating, "It is very inappropriate for Leader Lee to sequentially meet with Democratic Party presidential candidates and talk about party unity." He added, "I came across a report that on the YouTube broadcast 'Maebul Show' on the 5th, Lee said that the approval of the arrest warrant in the 21st National Assembly was 'a scheme between some within the party and the prosecution,' and that 'matching the prosecution's actions during the investigation with the party's movements at the time, it seems so.' Lee reportedly said, 'Although it is an unfounded speculation, the timing suggests a connection.'

Kim said, "After seeing this article, as one of the 21st Democratic Party lawmakers, I could not hide my shock," and added, "Moreover, since yesterday afternoon, many people have contacted me saying they saw Lee's double-faced duplicity." He then criticized, "The unity Lee spoke of during his relay meetings with Democratic presidential candidates is a lie and a show," and pointed out, "I also believe it is a divisive remark targeting the internal critics within the Democratic Party, spoken silently even now."

Lee Jae-myung, Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

He also said, "What is the true nature of Leader Lee, who presents national unity as the spirit of the times but instead fosters division within the party?" and raised his voice demanding, "I urge Leader Lee to officially apologize for his remarks on the Maebul Show yesterday." Along with this, he emphasized, "Take the path of unity. That is the way to judge the forces of rebellion and change the regime."

The day before, Leader Lee mentioned on 'Maebul Show' regarding the approval of his arrest warrant, "I had heard something before, so I expected it to be approved." At that time, the arrest warrant for Lee was approved with 149 votes in favor, 136 against, 6 abstentions, and 4 invalid votes out of 295 votes cast. Regarding this, he claimed, "A prominent figure within the party told me, 'You will be prosecuted, so resign as party leader. If you don't resign, something will happen, so for your own sake and the party's, step down,' setting the timing, which later coincided almost exactly with the prosecution's warrant request."