Park Yongjin on Keum Taesup's Departure: "I Won't Criticize, but I Can't Agree... Will Work for Change Within the Party"

Park Yongjin Expresses Regret Over Keum Taesup's Departure
"I Understand, But Cannot Agree"
Pledges to Lead Change Within the Party
Calls for Honest Conviction Despite Criticism

Park Yongjin, Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy, reporter Kim Suwan] Park Yongjin, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, commented on former lawmaker Keum Taesup's departure from the party, saying, "I understand, but I find it difficult to agree." Park, along with lawmakers Cho Eungcheon, Keum Taesup, and former lawmaker Kim Haeyoung, has been known for expressing independent views within the party, often referred to collectively as 'Jogumbakhae.'

On October 21, Park posted a message titled "To Former Lawmaker Keum Taesup" on his Facebook page, stating, "I was surprised by the news of your departure. I regret it and find it unfortunate. As someone who values party politics at its core and who contributed to the founding of the Democratic United Party in 2011, the predecessor of the Democratic Party, I find it difficult to readily agree with your decision."

Park said, "Factional logic is a political grammar that is easy to fall into, and divisiveness and double standards are things politicians must be most cautious about." However, he emphasized, "As a proponent of party politics, if there are areas within the party that require change, I believe it is my responsibility to help bring about that change."

Park went on to say that he would participate in driving change within the party. He stated, "I will dedicate myself and take the lead in making the Democratic Party a more inclusive and people-oriented party, expanding its role so it can make a greater contribution. Even if misunderstanding and criticism arise within the party during this process, I will stick to my convictions, speak honestly, do what needs to be done, and work to bring about change in the party."

He continued, "For politicians, enduring hardship inside and outside the party due to their convictions, as well as criticism from party members and supporters, is something that must be borne. One should not become dishonest or shirk responsibility out of fear of such difficulties."

Finally, Park addressed Keum, saying, "I know well that it could not have been easy for someone who devoted himself as the party's spokesperson and head of strategic planning to leave the party, and that the debates and developments over time have been a personal hardship and emotional burden. I wish you good luck and good health in the future."

Earlier that morning, former lawmaker Keum announced his departure from the Democratic Party by posting a message titled "Leaving the Democratic Party" on his Facebook page. Keum explained his reason for leaving, stating, "I can no longer approve or agree with the direction in which the party is heading. In this situation, I believe it is right for me to leave."

Meanwhile, Keum was disciplined by the party for abstaining from voting on the bill to establish the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, going against the party line. Although he requested a retrial, as of five months later, a conclusion has yet to be reached.

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