Democrats Raise 'Yang Jeong-suk Resignation' Debate, "Verification Delayed Due to Search and Seizure... Party Stance Remains Unchanged"

Kim Young-chun, Member of the Democratic Party of Korea./Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] For the first time within the Democratic Party of Korea, a call for Yoon Mi-hyang's resignation has been raised. Meanwhile, the Democratic Party leadership stated, "The prosecution's search and seizure delayed the verification of the Justice Memory Solidarity," and added, "We will not announce any separate party stance until the facts are confirmed."

Kim Young-choon, a three-term senior lawmaker of the Democratic Party, posted on his Facebook on the 21st, "I believe the most desirable solution is for Yoon Mi-hyang, who admitted some issues herself, to take moral responsibility, resign from her position as a member-elect, and return to being an activist to serve quietly."

Kim said, "It seems clear that there were various problems related to the use of donations and subsidies in operating a public organization, and only the extent to which she should be held responsible remains to be determined." He added, "Currently, the Democratic Party's position is to decide on measures after reviewing various audits and investigation results, but this differs greatly from public opinion. We have reached a situation where it can no longer end with explanations and defenses." He also said, "This issue will likely be the first test for the ruling party on how to manage state affairs and party operations, and I urge a swift decision at the Supreme Council meeting on Friday."

Until now, lawmakers Park Yong-jin and Kim Hae-young, among others, have urged the party to make a decision, but Kim is the first to directly mention Yoon's resignation.

Lee Hae-chan, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 22nd and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

However, the Democratic Party leadership emphasized, "We will not announce any party stance until the facts are confirmed." Democratic Party spokesperson Heo Yoon-jung said on the 22nd, "Today, Representative Lee Hae-chan verbally shared the information he had received so far, and once the facts are confirmed, the party will announce its position. Individual responses to media questions and statements of the party's stance will no longer proceed during this interim process."

There was also an expression of regret regarding the prosecution's search and seizure of Justice Memory Solidarity and Mapo Shelter. Nam In-soon, a Supreme Council member of the Democratic Party, said at the Supreme Council meeting that day, "Although Justice Memory Solidarity promised sincere cooperation with the investigation, the prosecution did not wait and took an unusual step despite their diligent efforts to resolve public suspicions." She added, "The Korean Institute of Certified Public Accountants, which was requested for an external audit, stated that it is difficult to recommend an external auditor when an investigation is underway by investigative agencies. I express regret over whether this had to be done in this way." Spokesperson Heo also added, "I understand that the contents intended to be verified through external expert organizations could not proceed because the prosecution's investigation has started."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.