A wave of criticism has emerged regarding Lee Seok-yeon, head of the Presidential Committee on National Integration, who suggested that President Lee Jae Myung step down from the Democratic Party of Korea. Kim Min-seok, the party’s leader, remarked, “This stems from a lack of understanding or misinterpretation of the Constitution,” to which Lee responded, “These kinds of comments come from those who are not familiar with the Constitution.”
During a parliamentary session on the 20th, Kim Min-seok stated, “Today, a prominent public figure made a comment suggesting that leaving the party would better align with becoming a ‘president for all.’” He further noted, “From the party’s viewpoint, this is an unacceptable approach and historically inaccurate.”
Kim said, “During the time of former President Roh Moo-hyun, there was an effort to ‘separate the party from the government,’ which has been partially preserved up to today. However, former President Roh later claimed that this separation was a mistake and required correction.” He highlighted, “There have been historical experiences accumulated.” He also referred to Article 105 of the Democratic Party’s constitution, which states, “A party member elected as president has the right to take part in party decision-making and the duty to carry out party policies during their term.”
Kim stated, “Talking about a president leaving their party during their first term shows a lack of understanding or knowledge of the Constitution. It also goes against the values of responsible political behavior.” Kim Young-jin, another member of the party, remarked, “Chairperson Lee’s comments appear to hinder national unity instead of promoting it. As the president is affiliated with a political party, discussing the possibility of leaving the party within the first year of their administration is unnecessary.”
In reply, Lee Seok-yeon denied, “Saying that a president leaving the party violates the Constitution is bold.” During a phone conversation, Lee remarked, “The Constitution does not have any clauses about the connection between the president and political party membership. Rather, it refers to the president as the ‘head of state,’ suggesting they go beyond party affiliations to represent the country.” He continued, “Calling this ‘ignorance of the Constitution’ is not worth responding to. This kind of ignorant speech and efforts to influence public opinion are similar to previous activist-driven political unrest.” He criticized members of the Democratic Party, stating, “Their lack of knowledge about the Constitution is deep. I would like to provide constitutional education as a volunteer.” Lee previously held the position of the first Constitutional Research Officer at the Constitutional Court and was the head of the Ministry of Government Legislation during the Lee Myung-bak administration.
Lee also asserted that Kim Min-seok had revealed his own “lack of constitutional knowledge.” He stated, “When Kim became prime minister, he mentioned he would act as the ‘president’s chief of staff,’ a position meant for the head of the Office of the President. The prime minister is a constitutional position, and such statements show disrespect and undermine the Constitution.” In reference to Kim’s previous remark while serving as prime minister that “five years is too short for a presidential term,” Lee added, “Suggesting the need for an additional term is a dismissal and disrespect of the Constitution.”
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