Kim Youngjin Criticizes "Sudden Acceleration"
Kim Yongmin Responds: "A Complacent Perception of the Situation"
Within the ruling party, there has been ongoing debate and criticism over Democratic Party lawmakers on the Legislation and Judiciary Committee of the National Assembly pushing for a confirmation hearing for Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hui-dae. While the party and government are focusing on livelihood issues, some argue that public attention shifting to the Judiciary Committee could have negative consequences. Others contend that failing to address the legacy of rebellion could provoke public anger, leading to a clash of perspectives.
On the morning of September 26, Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Yongmin appeared on MBC Radio and responded to the claim that the Cho Hui-dae hearing was a “sudden acceleration.” He countered, “It seems to imply that things were rushed, but I think believing so reflects a complacent understanding of the situation, rather than a sudden acceleration.” He added, “We are in the process of addressing a judicial coup and settling the aftermath of rebellion, and the significant gap in perspectives and understanding of the situation is quite challenging.”
On July 11, at the Public Hearing for the Additional Amendment of the Commercial Act held by the Subcommittee 1 of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee of the National Assembly, Kim Yongmin, the subcommittee chairman, is striking the gavel. 2025.7.11 Photo by Kim Hyunmin
Previously, on September 22, the Judiciary Committee, chaired by six-term Democratic Party lawmaker Choo Mi-ae, decided to hold an emergency hearing on September 30 to clarify the so-called ‘meeting of four’ allegations involving Justice Cho and former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, and notified the Democratic Party leadership. Although Democratic Party leader Jung Cheongrae met with Chair Choo on September 24 to express his support, dissatisfaction emerged within the party.
Kim Youngjin, a senior member of the pro-Lee Jaemyung faction, stated the previous day, “A confirmation hearing for the Chief Justice is an extremely important matter. It would have been better to proceed with thorough prior consultation and preparation with the entire party and leadership, with mutual understanding and agreement on its necessity,” criticizing it as a “sudden acceleration.” When asked whether he considered the meeting allegations to be a false alarm, Kim Youngjin replied, “Since both the Chief Justice and the Prime Minister have security details, their schedules are technically private, but in reality, only public schedules exist.” He added, “It is necessary for lawmakers Seo Youngkyo, Boo Seungchan, or Judiciary Committee Chair Choo Mi-ae to provide further clarification on this matter,” taking a cautious stance.
Following the clash between Leader Jung and Floor Leader Kim Byungki over the formation of the National Assembly Ethics Special Committee, and with internal criticism over the confirmation hearing for Chief Justice Cho, some have expressed concern that internal party turmoil is becoming more frequent. However, a Democratic Party official commented, “The Democratic Party is a party with 166 lawmakers, and it is impossible for every voice to be the same. Isn’t it natural for diverse opinions to emerge?” The official added, “This is not a process of conflict or confusion, but a natural process of gathering opinions.”
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