Although Called a "Tyranny" by the Democratic Party...
An Unamusing "Happening"
On July 1, Kim Gwangun, floor leader of the People Power Party, raised an issue and posted a statement on his social media targeting the Democratic Party of Korea after Yeo Mijeon, a proportional representative from the Democratic Party of Korea, was elected as the chair of the 4th Special Committee on Budget and Accounts of the Sejong City Council. He criticized the Democratic Party of Korea for monopolizing the operation of the council, as its members hold a majority of the seats.
However, there has been some reaction that this is an amusing incident, since the statement was made after a commemorative photo was taken following the election. Kim Gwangun himself was also included as a member of the Special Committee on Budget and Accounts. Some questioned whether it was necessary for him to participate in the commemorative photo after the election if he intended to protest the decision. The Special Committee on Budget and Accounts is composed of nine members, including the chair: six from the Democratic Party of Korea and three from the People Power Party.
In his statement, Kim expressed concern and criticized the Democratic Party of Korea, saying that the basic principles of democracy are being seriously undermined in the council, which is the heart of democracy and should represent the diverse voices of citizens and promote the development of city administration through checks and balances. The Sejong City Council consists of a total of 20 seats: 13 held by the Democratic Party of Korea and 7 by the People Power Party. He also emphasized that responsible legislative activities by the majority party and the participation and oversight by the minority party should be in harmony.
He stated, "Since the distribution of seats reflects the choices of the citizens, I humbly acknowledge and respect that. However, even if the majority party takes the chair positions of major committees, it is customary and reasonable to yield the chair position to the minority party at least once. The Democratic Party of Korea is now monopolizing the chair of the Special Committee on Budget and Accounts for the fourth consecutive time, which could neutralize the minority party's oversight function and undermine the fairness and transparency of the budget review process," expressing his concerns.
He went on to criticize, "This is a clear case of council monopoly and tyranny. Excluding the minority party from legitimate participation by leveraging the power of the majority party is an anti-democratic practice that undermines the basic spirit of democracy."
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