Democratic Party of Korea leader Kim Min-seok said on the 22nd, “Members of the ruling party who are at least at the level of lawmakers should present their opinions on the president’s personnel matters within the party.” This was interpreted as targeting Rep. Kim Yong-min and Gyeonggi Governor Choo Mi-ae, who recently publicly criticized the nomination of Kim Ji-yong as Serious Crimes Investigation Agency chief.
Kim, appearing on the party’s official YouTube channel ‘Democratic Party TV,’ responded to a comment suggesting Rep. Kim Yong-min should be removed from the National Assembly’s Legislation and Judiciary Committee. He said, “It is better to propose such matters internally,” adding, “The call for removal seems to relate to raising issues about the prosecution reform and the personnel appointment of Kim Ji-yong as Serious Crimes Investigation Agency chief. It appears to be a critique of how the ruling party should address the president’s HR authority.”
Kim noted, “When someone points out issues with Person A, the verification process might show otherwise. There are cases where misconceptions or public rumors are mistaken for facts.” He emphasized, “While the verification side has the responsibility to raise concerns, the ruling party must be more cautious in doing so. It would be better to follow internal procedures.”
He added, “If issues are expressed externally without internal procedures, how would that differ from the opposition? After thorough debate, the HR authority holder ultimately makes a decision considering all factors. That decision should be respected.”
When the host mentioned calls for the party to enforce discipline over “crossing the line,” Kim said, “Regarding the request to remove Rep. Kim from the standing committee, if deemed inappropriate, it could be one of several methods.” He continued, “President Lee Jae Myung held a press conference, and critics later noted that the party should avoid derogatory terms, disparagement, or undignified verbal attacks. There are calls for apologies from those who used such language.”
Responding to a question about Rhyu Si-min’s recent remark that a ‘pebble in the shoe’ is politically isolating the president, Kim said, “There were also ‘touch-law’ contractors, and where do we draw the line on derogatory terms?” He added, “If someone feels mocked, they can call it mockery. By considering each other’s perspectives, we should strive for more restraint and moderation.”
jasdooit 
Leave a comment