Two Daily Members' Meetings and Gwanghwamun Rallies
Three Hours of Heated Debate Within the Party Over Shim Woo-jung's Impeachment
Impeachment Temporarily Postponed... Considering Potential Backlash
The Democratic Party of Korea has decided to hold two members' meetings daily at the National Assembly until the verdict on President Yoon Seok-yeol's impeachment trial is delivered, and to begin a midnight sit-in protest until midnight. The impeachment of Prosecutor General Shim Woo-jung, who gave up on an immediate appeal against the court's decision to cancel President Yoon's detention, will be temporarily postponed.
On the evening of the 8th, the Democratic Party held a closed members' meeting at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, where it was decided to respond at the party level to President Yoon's release. It is reported that 27 lawmakers engaged in a heated debate for three hours immediately after President Yoon's release.
The party will first hold regular members' meetings twice daily at 2 p.m. and 10 p.m. to focus party efforts on President Yoon's impeachment. Roh Jong-myeon, the Democratic Party's floor spokesperson, stated, "Every evening at 7 p.m., we will combine with rallies, and after the 10 p.m. members' meeting ends, we plan to hold a sit-in protest at the Rotunda Hall until midnight," adding, "The basic principle will be not to leave the National Assembly even after midnight." They also plan to attend the daily rallies in Gwanghwamun calling for President Yoon's dismissal during the evening hours.
The impeachment of Prosecutor General Shim Woo-jung, who gave up on an immediate appeal against the court's decision, has been tentatively put on hold. During the meeting, lawmakers advocating a hardline response within the party emphasized the need to immediately impeach Prosecutor General Shim, but concerns about potential backlash have led to calls for a cautious approach.
However, the party leadership has left open the possibility of further discussion on related matters at a meeting on the morning of the 9th. Floor spokesperson Roh said, "If we can have an in-depth discussion and organize our stance at tomorrow morning's leadership meeting, we will do so and make an announcement." There is also a possibility that the impeachment of Choi Sang-mok, the acting president, will be discussed. It is reported that Representative Lee Jae-myung did not express specific opinions during the meeting but gathered internal party views on the impeachment of Prosecutor General Shim and others.
In his opening remarks at the meeting, Floor Leader Park Chan-dae directly stated, "The greatest responsibility lies with the prosecution, and at its center is Prosecutor General Shim Woo-jung." Park said, "I was very shocked and cannot tolerate the prosecution's failure to file an immediate appeal, which led to Yoon Seok-yeol's release," adding, "They wasted time by not indicting immediately. Prosecutor General Shim must pay the price for that," he raised his voice.
He also claimed, "I have never seen the prosecution not appeal a court decision and release someone so willingly as this time," and argued, "Unless they cleverly used tactics from the start to release him, this is an event that rarely happens." He further emphasized, "This is clear evidence that the rebellion is still ongoing," and stated, "The prosecution has committed an unforgivable great sin not only by denying its own existence but also before the people and history."
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