Lee Junseok Petition Surpasses 570,000... Chun Haram Says "Not Grounds for Expelling Elected Lawmaker"

"Cannot Expel an Elected Official Just Because Tens of Thousands Signed"

Chun Haram, floor leader of the Reform New Party, commented on the National Assembly public petition calling for the expulsion of Reform New Party lawmaker Lee Junseok, which surpassed 570,000 signatures, saying, "I do not believe that this kind of 'crossing the ten-thousand mark' horse-race reporting represents the opinion of the entire public."

Speaking with reporters at the National Assembly on the morning of the 16th, Chun said, "We must listen carefully to the voices of all citizens," but added, "It is difficult to agree with the logic or argument that a lawmaker, who was democratically elected by the people of a constituency, should be expelled simply because tens or hundreds of thousands of people have signed a petition."

Reform New Party lawmakers Lee Junseok and Chun Haram are attending the 21st presidential inauguration oath ceremony held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on June 4, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Chun argued, "If that were to happen, no politician in South Korea with a well-known name and clear, polarizing views would be able to survive." He continued, "In the past, I recall that a petition to impeach former President Moon Jaein also surpassed 1.4 million signatures. However, just because such large numbers are gathered does not mean a democratically elected official can be immediately removed from office, and the same applies in this case."

As of 7 p.m. on this day, the petition for the expulsion of Lee, which was posted on the National Assembly e-petition site on June 4, had surpassed 570,000 signatures. If a public petition receives more than 50,000 signatures within 30 days, it is automatically referred to the relevant standing committee for review. To expel a lawmaker from the National Assembly, the approval of at least two-thirds of all sitting members is required.

Woo Wonshik, Speaker of the National Assembly, commented on the petition for Lee's expulsion and stated that forming the Special Committee on Ethics would be a top priority. At a press conference marking his first anniversary in office on June 11, he said, "When members of the public see a lawmaker do wrong, there must be a way to discipline them and judge their misconduct, but we have not formed the Ethics Committee. As Speaker, this is a very shameful matter."

He added, "I am aware that nearly 500,000 people have signed the petition for Lee's expulsion, and there are already petitions for the expulsion of 12 other lawmakers. I believe this cannot be delayed any longer. I will strongly urge for an agreement on forming the Ethics Committee."