Lee Sujin, People Power Party Jeonbuk Council Member, Demands Expulsion of Yoon
"Cho Bae-sook's Defense of Martial Law Is Also a Party Violation... Strict Accountability Needed"
A local council member from the People Power Party has called on her own party to “first reflect on its responsibility for the by-election,” demanding the expulsion of former President Yoon Suk-yeol and disciplinary action against those involved.
Lee Sujin, a proportional representative of the Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Provincial Council, held a press conference at the council on the 8th, stating, “With the presidential by-election being held due to the People Power Party’s fault, does our party truly deserve to nominate a candidate?” She added, “There must first be punishment, reflection, and self-examination.”
Sujin Lee, a member of the Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Provincial Council (People Power Party, proportional representation), is holding a press conference on the 8th at the provincial council criticizing the behavior of her party. Photo by Yonhap News
Lee pointed out, “In local elections, if a by-election for a head of a local government is the party’s responsibility, sometimes we do not field a candidate,” and continued, “The same should apply to this presidential election. Without accountability for wrongdoing, the very reason for a party’s existence is shaken.”
She further commented on the impeachment of former President Yoon, saying, “Given the arrogant conduct he displayed during less than three years in office, this outcome was already foreseen,” and emphasized, “Only when the law stands upright can the community stand upright.”
She officially called for Yoon’s expulsion and removal from the party. “Although it is belated, former President Yoon, who was impeached for unconstitutional and illegal martial law, must now be expelled according to party rules,” she said, adding, “Through strict punishment, the December 3 Emergency Martial Law must remain a historical lesson.”
Regarding party members who defended martial law or opposed impeachment, she said, “Those who betrayed the trust and love of the residents must be dealt with according to party rules,” and stressed, “Only strict accountability will save the party, and that will become a milestone in history.”
She specifically named Cho Bae-sook, head of the People Power Party’s Jeonbuk Provincial Chapter. Lee stated, “Chairperson Cho participated in blocking the execution of the arrest warrant for former President Yoon and has called for the abolition of the Constitutional Court,” adding, “Respect for the Constitution and the rule of law is the party’s principle, and failing to uphold this is a serious violation.”
She continued, “Chairperson Cho must explain her remarks and actions to the residents, and I do not believe she can restore public sentiment or stand with the residents.”
Lee, wary of political interpretations of the press conference, said, “This is not an attempt to seek a political breakthrough,” and added, “I could no longer remain silent and wanted to speak out, even if just a little. I have never considered running in local elections.”
In conclusion, she said, “With the power of justice achieved together with the residents and the resolve to risk everything as history has taught us, the People Power Party must be reborn,” and added, “Even now, at this very moment, the residents are watching the conduct of public officials.”
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