"Arrogant Party Dividing the Nation with Partisan Conflict" Geum Tae-seop Abruptly Leaves Democratic Party

Geum Tae-seop Abstained on Last Year's Corruption Investigation Office Law, Disciplined... Resigns from Party Today (21st)

Former Democratic Party lawmaker Geum Tae-seop is attending the party Ethics Committee rehearing held at the Yeouido party headquarters on the afternoon of June 29. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] Former Democratic Party lawmaker Geum Tae-seop, who was disciplined by the party for abstaining from voting on the establishment bill of the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Office (HCIO), announced that he is "leaving the Democratic Party."

On the 21st, former lawmaker Geum posted a message titled "Leaving the Democratic Party" on his Facebook, stating, "It has been five months since I was disciplined for not following the party's stance on the HCIO and filed an appeal," and added, "It has been two months since the party leadership changed, and although several ethics committee meetings have been held, the Democratic Party has made no decisions and is avoiding responsibility."

Regarding his reason for leaving the Democratic Party, former lawmaker Geum explained, "There was no rational discussion, and the reasons for the delay in decision-making were not communicated," and said, "I could not see any sincere analysis or consideration of the impact the party's decisions would have on the future. Under these circumstances, I thought it was better for me to leave."

He continued, "'Ignoring the disciplinary appeal' is not the only reason for my departure," and criticized, "The Democratic Party has changed so much that it is hard to find the flexibility, humility, and culture of communication it once had."

Earlier, former lawmaker Geum was disciplined (warned) by the party in June for abstaining from the vote on the HCIO bill in December last year, which went against the party's stance. He filed an appeal against the disciplinary action.

He also pointed out, "It is unimaginable in the Democratic Party led by Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun to not hesitate to file criminal and civil lawsuits against the people," and emphasized, "More than anything else, the biggest problem is the arrogant attitude of dividing the people into factions, labeling those with different opinions as lawbreakers or pro-Japanese collaborators, and intimidating them."

He added, "There is also the phenomenon of 'double standards' where our side is lenient and the opposing side is harsh, and 'flip-flopping' where previous claims are shamelessly changed without explanation," and said, "'We are always right and we must always win,' so abandoning principles and consistency is considered nothing."

Former lawmaker Geum lamented, "Healthy criticism or self-reflection on these appearances is labeled as 'internal sabotage,' and text bombings and malicious comments are targeted to silence voices," and said, "I understand the passionate feelings of supporters, but I was despairing at the sight of party leaders who, instead of correcting mistakes, only watch cautiously and calculate political advantages and disadvantages, calling it seasoning or energy."

Nevertheless, he said, "I also bear great responsibility as a member of the National Assembly affiliated with the Democratic Party. I have made considerable efforts to speak out despite political disadvantages and criticism, but I have reached a point where I cannot approve or agree with the direction the party is heading," and added, "Therefore, as a final protest, I submit my resignation with sincerity and heartfelt feelings."

Finally, former lawmaker Geum advised the Democratic Party, saying, "Politics is not simply a game of winning or losing. What we need is politics that pursues the public good and advances our society step by step, not 20 years of rule by our side," and added, "To do so, we must acknowledge the goodwill of those with different opinions. Especially the ruling party must have the responsibility to persuade and wait for those who oppose and move forward together."

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