Kim Gyeri, Lee Eonju on 'Total Resignation' Remarks: "Right, Have You Finally Been Enlightened?"

Lee Eon-ju: "In an Unconstitutional Situation, the Lawmaker's Badge Has No Meaning"
Kim Yong-min: "If Yoon Is Dismissed, Presidential and General Elections Should Be Held Together"

Attorney Kim Gyeri, who attracted attention by stating "I have been enlightened" during the impeachment trial defense of President Yoon Seok-yeol, responded to Lee Eon-ju, a Supreme Council member of the Democratic Party of Korea, who suggested "all ruling and opposition lawmakers resign and hold re-elections," by asking, "Have you been enlightened?" On the 25th, Attorney Kim posted on her social media, sharing a video of Lee making the statement at the party's Supreme Council meeting the previous day, saying, "This is the most correct thing I've heard since I heard the name Lee Eon-ju," and added, "Calling for a new general election is right. Have you been enlightened?"

Attorney Kim Gye-ri, a representative of President Yoon Suk-yeol, is making a defense for the respondent at the 11th impeachment trial of President Yoon Suk-yeol held at the Constitutional Court in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 25th of last month. Photo by the Constitutional Court

Attorney Kim further accused the Democratic Party, saying, "The National Assembly's continuous acts of undermining the separation of powers, pushing through impeachment, and absurd legislation that paralyzes the judiciary and executive branches are acts of election rejection against President Yoon becoming president and amount to rebellion," and added, "The legislature does not even understand the constitutional provisions on martial law, the Martial Law Act, or the elements constituting the crime of rebellion."

Earlier, Supreme Council member Lee Eon-ju urged the Constitutional Court to promptly deliver a ruling on President Yoon's impeachment trial during a Supreme Council meeting held at the tent party headquarters in Gwanghwamun, Seoul. She said, "If necessary, all ruling and opposition lawmakers should resign, and a general election should be held again," adding, "Given the current level of rebellion, it would be better to reorganize the National Assembly to restructure the system and make a fresh start."

She continued, "Even though the head of the executive branch has destroyed the constitutional order, the judiciary, which should check him, is passive in upholding the constitution, and if the National Assembly's ruling party betrays the constitution, what other options are there?" She added, "If the country continues in this unconstitutional situation, failing to suppress even such rebellious acts and giving impunity, what meaning is there in wearing the (lawmaker's) badge in such a country?"

Mixed Reactions from Ruling and Opposition Parties to Lee Eon-ju's 'Lawmakers' Mass Resignation' Remarks

Lee Eon-ju, a member of the National Assembly, appeared on Asia Economy AK Radio.

The Democratic Party distanced itself from Lee's remarks, calling them her personal opinion rather than the party's stance. Cho Seung-rae, the Democratic Party's chief spokesperson, dismissed the comments on the 24th at the National Assembly, saying, "It is just an individual lawmaker's opinion." Kim Yong-min, the Democratic Party's senior deputy floor leader, advocated for an early general election. On the 25th, Kim appeared on SBS Radio and said, "I believe lawmakers should absolutely not resign before the current impeachment situation is resolved," emphasizing, "Because there is a possibility of a declaration of martial law again, this is not a card to be used now." He added, "However, the National Assembly also needs to seek re-approval from the public once again," and said, "If President Yoon's dismissal is ruled and an early presidential election follows, it is possible to hold the general election and presidential election simultaneously."

Representative Park Seon-won said on CBS Radio that day, "I don't know if it makes sense for the legislature to enter an election mode when the current political situation hasn't even ended. I do not agree." He added, "We need to think carefully about whether a mass resignation is appropriate in the current context," and argued, "Not only the executive branch but also the judiciary seems flawed, but the legislature must not stop functioning." Meanwhile, Lee's proposal has also emerged among some members and hardline supporters of the People Power Party, which is in a minority position, leading to scenes where ruling party figures expressed support. Representative Kim Min-jeon of the People Power Party wrote on Facebook the previous day, "I support Lee's call for mass resignation and re-election."