Expulsion Decided at Democratic Party General Assembly
Choi Hyukjin to Become Independent, Son Sol to Return to Progressive Party
On June 13, the Democratic Party of Korea decided to expel Representatives Son Sol and Choi Hyukjin, who succeeded to their seats as proportional representatives following the resignations of former lawmakers Wi Sunglak and Kang Yujeong. Representative Choi Hyukjin, who had hoped to remain a member of the Democratic Party, is now expected to become an independent lawmaker as a result.
Roh Jongmyeon, the Democratic Party's spokesperson in the National Assembly, stated in a briefing that day, "At the closed-door members' meeting, Representatives Son and Choi received proportional representation rankings from the Democratic Alliance, but after the election, the Democratic Alliance and the Democratic Party merged, making them members of our party." He added, "It was decided at the meeting to expel them." He continued, "In line with the spirit of solidarity that existed at the time of the proportional representation rankings, we have expelled them, and it will be up to their own political judgment to decide which party they will join in the future."
On the 13th, a Democratic Party of Korea members' meeting is being held at the National Assembly. Photo by Yonhap News
Representative Son, who originally received the 15th spot on the proportional representation list as a recommendation from the Progressive Party, is expected to return to the Progressive Party. However, Representative Choi, who received the 16th spot as the share of the New Progressive Alliance (Basic Income Party), faced opposition from the Basic Income Party during the succession process because he wished to remain with the Democratic Party.
The Basic Income Party has consistently urged the Democratic Party to expel Representative Choi, arguing that he broke his promise to "rejoin the party if elected." Yong Hyein, leader of the Basic Income Party, strongly criticized Representative Choi, calling him a "political fraudster who destroys democracy." Representative Choi previously served as the Secretary for Social Economy at the Blue House during the Moon Jae-in administration.
Regarding Representative Choi's party affiliation, spokesperson Roh stated, "As far as I know, he will not be joining the Democratic Party," and added, "For now, he will be independent." Previously, Representative Choi had refused to rejoin the Basic Income Party, stating, "I will do my best as a Democratic Party lawmaker for the success of the Lee Jaemyung administration." This decision to expel the lawmakers is seen as an effort to honor the Democratic Alliance's promise to return the next-in-line seats to the parties that originally recommended them. Representative Son Sol (30) has been recorded as the youngest lawmaker in the 22nd National Assembly.
In response to reporters' questions about the possibility of rejoining the party in the future, the spokesperson said, "That will be up to the individual to decide at that time, and the party will announce its position accordingly," adding, "The party cannot proactively say it will accept them back."
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