In the People Power Party Chatroom, Kim Sang-wook Who Supported Impeachment Faces Criticism Saying "He Should Be Disciplined"

Kang Minguk, Cho Baesook, and Kang Seunggyu Demand Clarification of Positions

Voices demanding disciplinary action have arisen against Rep. Kim Sang-wook, who stated in a group Telegram chatroom of People Power Party (PPP) lawmakers that he would begin a hunger strike if President Yoon Seok-yeol's impeachment is dismissed. Despite calls for clarification within the party, Rep. Kim did not waver in his stance that President Yoon should be impeached.

Kim Sang-wook, a member of the People Power Party, spoke about his position in the Rotunda Hall after voting on the impeachment motion against President Yoon Seok-yeol at the National Assembly plenary session on the 7th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

On the 13th, Yonhap News reported that Rep. Kang Min-guk of the PPP demanded an explanation from Rep. Kim in a chatroom involving all 180 party lawmakers, saying, "Please clarify your statement that aligns with the opinions of Lee Jae-myung's Democratic Party and the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions." Rep. Kang also urged the party leadership to make a statement, emphasizing that "this is too serious an issue to be dismissed as the remarks of an individual lawmaker."

The issue arose from Rep. Kim's appearance on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' the previous day, where he said, "If, by any chance, the impeachment of President Yoon is dismissed, I will enter a hunger strike in the National Assembly until I die."

Following Rep. Kang's remarks, Rep. Cho Bae-sook reportedly said, "As a lawmaker belonging to a public party, it seems that a point of no return has been crossed," calling for a party-level decision. Rep. Kang Seung-gyu also reportedly agreed, saying, "He should be disciplined."

Rep. Kang also posted on his Facebook, revealing the message he sent in the chatroom, stating, "I publicly demanded an explanation for Rep. Kim's remarks, which are completely contrary to the party's stance." He added, "I believe Rep. Kim knows better than anyone that a political party is a political organization with the purpose of gaining power, as defined by the Political Parties Act," and pointed out, "Personal convictions and the public domain of the party are different."

In response, Rep. Kim posted a lengthy message in the chatroom that afternoon, arguing, "The reason I hold a strong position on the president's impeachment is paradoxically because I am a conservative," and added, "(The declaration of martial law) was something I, as a conservative trying to protect the constitutional order, could not overlook." He also stated, "I do not believe my words and actions go against the party's interests."

Regarding this matter, the party leadership has reportedly not issued any separate response so far. However, Kwon Young-se, the Emergency Response Committee Chairman, said the day before, "Engaging in activities that go against the content agreed upon by most party members is inappropriate behavior for someone affiliated with the party, especially a lawmaker." Floor leader Kwon Seong-dong also responded to reporters' questions about Rep. Kim's remarks by saying, "I have given up. I have no interest in that guy."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.