Lee Hae-chan “Tae Young-ho Ideological Screening... I Have Much to Say but Will Not Speak”

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] On the 23rd, Lee Hae-chan, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, criticized Tae Young-ho, a member of the Future United Party, for asking so-called ‘ideological verification’ questions during the confirmation hearing of Lee In-young, the nominee for Minister of Unification, saying, “I thought it was truly absurd.”

Lee Hae-chan, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 24th and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

On the morning of the 24th, at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly, Leader Lee stated, “I have a lot to say, but since the opposition party has its position, I will refrain from further comments.”

Kim Tae-nyeon, the floor leader of the Democratic Party, also said at the meeting, “Yesterday (the 23rd) was a very difficult and frustrating day as outdated colorism, uncompromising struggles, and collective selfishness?issues our society must overcome?appeared all at once,” adding, “If the ghost of the old era’s colorism that oppressed the 70s and 80s reappears, the realization of the dream to overcome COVID-19 and leap forward as a global leading country may be delayed.”

He further pointed out, “If there are still opposition parties that mistakenly believe politics can be done through colorism, I urge them to wake up from this delusion as soon as possible.”

Other Supreme Council members also joined in the criticism. Park Kwang-on, a Supreme Council member, said, “The Future United Party’s colorism is beyond a chronic disease; it is at the level of an incurable disease,” adding, “Demanding a public declaration of ideological conversion is verbal violence. It is a reckless remark that only existed during past people's trials.”

Supreme Council member Seol Hoon also criticized, saying, “Representative Tae should apologize to the people for making anti-constitutional remarks at the confirmation hearing as a national representative. If he does not and clings to outdated colorism, he cannot be considered qualified as a member of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea.”

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