Kim Minsu's Series of Hardline Remarks
Party Leadership Draws a Line:
"Not the Collective Opinion"
Kim Minsu, Supreme Council Member of the People Power Party, on September 1 raised concerns over the Constitutional Court's decision to impeach former President Yoon Suk-yeol, demanding, "Release former President Yoon and Kim Keonhee." In response, the party leadership drew a line, stating, "This should not be interpreted as the collective opinion of the leadership."
Kim Minsu, Supreme Council Member of the People Power Party, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 27th. Photo by Yonhap News
At the Supreme Council meeting held at the main building of the National Assembly that morning, Kim stated, "Many citizens still argue that the impeachment was not justified," adding, "The people never granted the Constitutional Court any authority to judge the constitutionally guaranteed powers of the president while disregarding legal procedures."
Kim emphasized, "The Constitution protects the rights of the people based on the presumption of innocence. Even though insurrection charges have not been confirmed, the Democratic Party is portraying former President Yoon as if he has been convicted of insurrection," and stressed, "This is a violation of human rights that tramples on the spirit of the Constitution."
He further stated, "While everyone says we must cross the river of impeachment, the People Power Party does not have the strength to cross it. Only the Democratic Party, which controls the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, can cross the river of impeachment. If the Democratic Party truly cares about the people, it should halt all politically motivated investigations."
In response to Kim's remarks, Chief Spokesperson Park Sunghoon told reporters after the meeting, "This is not the agreed-upon opinion of the party leadership."
Park added, "Kim Minsu's remarks should not be interpreted as representing the views of the entire leadership under Party Leader Jang Donghyeok," and stated, "(The People Power Party) will make judgments based on public common sense, rationality, and universal standards."
In political circles, there are voices suggesting that Kim Minsu's series of hardline statements are at odds with the leadership, including Party Leader Jang Donghyeok.
This is because, while Party Leader Jang, who now leads the People Power Party, needs to adjust the party's pace to bridge the gap between public sentiment and party sentiment, Kim Minsu has instead made even stronger statements, referencing not only the Constitutional Court's impeachment decision but also martial law.
When asked whether Party Leader Jang considers Kim Minsu's remarks to be an act of defiance, Chief Spokesperson Park replied, "The principle of party unity is part of the broader direction the leadership envisions," and added, "It is not appropriate to respond to hypothetical scenarios regarding other situations."
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