"Why Apologize When He Has Already Left?" Na Kyungwon Clarifies Stance on Impeachment

"Questioning Political Stances Only Fuels More Conflict"
"It's Time to Escape the Swamp of Apologies," She Stresses

Na Kyungwon, a member of the People Power Party, expressed strong concern over some party members' demands for distancing from former President Yoon Sukyeol and for an apology related to his impeachment. She argued that since former President Yoon has already left the party, repeatedly raising issues about the past can only lead to unnecessary division.

Na Kyungwon, a member of the People Power Party, pointed out that it is not right to constantly demand a break from former President Yoon and an apology for the past. Yonhap News

On the night of July 11, during an appearance on YTN Radio's "Shin Yul's News Jeongmyeonseungbu," Na criticized Innovation Committee Chairperson Yoon Heesook's proposal to explicitly state a break with former President Yoon in the party constitution and to issue an official apology for the couple's abuse of power, calling it "a political blunder that only repeats conflict and division." She explained, "This is because the president has already left the party, and repeatedly calling for apologies over issues that could cause division and conflict is not constructive."

Na also pointed out that repeated demands for apologies could drain the party's energy, saying, "We have already issued a clear apology regarding the state of emergency. If that is not enough, we will do more, but if we keep demanding apologies in this way, there will be no end." She added, "It is not good to bring up topics that can lead to internal disputes. I am concerned that this could result in an endless cycle of apologies."

She also drew a clear line regarding calls to redefine the party's relationship with former President Yoon, stating, "We have already apologized regarding the state of emergency, and former President Yoon has already left the party."

Regarding criticism over positions taken during the impeachment crisis, Na emphasized, "That is the root of conflict and division, and if we demand apologies for that, it could cause further division, making it impossible for our party to unite." She continued, "Why should we apologize for opposing the impeachment?" and argued that political judgments made as a ruling party lawmaker should not be called into question.

Na also mentioned the recent weakening of the ruling party's standing, saying, "President Lee Jaemyung talks about cooperation, but the Democratic Party is trying to dissolve our party by creating a special law on insurrection. In the National Assembly, they control both the Speaker and the Legislation and Judiciary Committee Chair, doing as they please. If we do not stand up to this, it will lead to one-party dominance by the ruling party, and the people will ultimately suffer." She stressed, "That is why we must escape the swamp of apologies and the swamp of division."

Meanwhile, when asked about the possibility of running in the next party convention, Na avoided a direct answer, stating, "I will consider my responsibilities and role in various ways. I have no intention of declaring a run for the convention or of supporting any particular person," expressing a cautious stance.