[Summary] "Expel Geum Tae-seop Immediately" Democratic Party Members Boiling Over Disciplinary Appeal

Geum Tae-seop Appeals Disciplinary Action
Some Democratic Party Members Demand "Expulsion" with Harsh Reactions

Former Democratic Party lawmaker Geum Tae-seop Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] Geum Tae-seop, former member of the Democratic Party of Korea who criticized former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk and opposed the establishment of the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Office (PCC), is appealing the party's disciplinary decision. Meanwhile, some Democratic Party members are showing strong reactions such as "Expel him from the party, he's useless." The party conflict seems inevitable following the decision to reconsider Geum's case.

According to a post on June 2 in the Facebook group 'Democratic Party of Korea 1 Million Members Gathering,' some Democratic Party members expressed that they cannot accept Geum's request for reconsideration.

One member shared an article titled "Democratic Party disciplines for abstaining on PCC law... Geum Tae-seop 'requests reconsideration'" that morning and commented, "It's right to treat the X-Man accordingly," and praised, "The Democratic Party did well."

The term "X-Man" refers to someone who appears to be on the same side outwardly but ultimately acts as a kind of 'fake ally' benefiting the opposing side. This criticism points out that Geum's opposition to Cho's appointment and his abstention on the PCC establishment bill effectively helped the United Future Party.

When posts criticizing Geum appeared, other members strongly condemned him, saying, "Reconsideration request? Go wear pink clothes for Ahn Cheol-soo or hang out with (Lee) Eon-ju. The Democratic Party of Korea does not need useless scoundrels like you."

Another member lamented, "Discipline is not the answer. He should have been expelled. Since he is requesting reconsideration, just expel him. We don't need those who shake the party."

Democratic Party lawmaker Cho Eung-cheon Photo by Yonhap News

Meanwhile, on June 2, there was backlash within the party regarding Geum's disciplinary action, calling it "inappropriate."

Democratic Party lawmaker Cho Eung-cheon appeared on a radio show that day and said, "I have never seen a lawmaker disciplined for making a judgment based on their own conviction," emphasizing, "The National Assembly Act includes a free voting clause stating that 'a member of the National Assembly, as a representative of the people, shall not be bound by the decisions of their party and shall vote according to their conscience.'

He added, "Geum, who abstained on the PCC establishment bill, has already taken tremendous responsibility by losing in the primary election. How much more responsibility can he take?"

He also said, "Although the party constitution is a highly autonomous organization and may apply within the party, it is inappropriate when viewed in light of the spirit of the National Assembly Act."

Earlier, the Democratic Party Ethics Committee held a meeting on the 25th and issued a 'warning' to Geum. At that time, party members criticized Geum for abstaining in the vote on the PCC bill last December and urged, "Expel Geum Tae-seop."

They said, "Geum Tae-seop has committed an unacceptable act. It is a lawmaker's duty to follow the party's stance, but he brutally refused to do so."

Accordingly, the Democratic Party Ethics Committee defined Geum as a 'subject of disciplinary action' in its decision document, stating, "Support for the PCC bill was our party's official stance. Since Geum abstained during the vote citing his conviction, it is considered a 'violation of party policy' under Article 14 of Party Regulation No. 7, and he is disciplined."

Meanwhile, Geum plans to file a request for reconsideration as early as today, appealing the disciplinary result.

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