"‘So-in’ Cannot Accept Differences" - Moon Hee-sang's Message to Geum Tae-seop

Geum Tae-seop "More Grateful Because It's a Time of Many Concerns"

A message sent by former National Assembly Speaker Moon Hee-sang to former Democratic Party lawmaker Geum Tae-seop. / Photo by Geum Tae-seop Facebook

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] Former Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Geum Tae-seop recently revealed on the 12th a phrase sent to him by former National Assembly Speaker Moon Hee-seong.

On that day, former lawmaker Geum posted on his Facebook, "A phrase sent by former Speaker Moon along with a warm encouragement call," and shared a photo.

The photo showed the phrase written in Chinese characters: 'Gunjahwaibudong Sointongibulhwa (君子和而不同 小人同而不和)'. It means that a noble person maintains their principles while respecting differing opinions to achieve harmony, whereas a petty person cannot accept differences and merely demands uniformity.

This phrase comes from the 'Analects (論語)', specifically the 'Zilu (子路)' chapter, recorded teachings of the ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius. Through this phrase, Confucius is interpreted to warn against becoming a petty person who lacks conviction, is swayed by others' opinions, and flatters without sincerity.

Regarding this, former lawmaker Geum expressed gratitude, saying, "I feel even more thankful during times of much contemplation," and conveyed his appreciation to former lawmaker Moon, adding, "I will work even harder."

Meanwhile, former lawmaker Geum submitted his resignation from the Democratic Party on the 21st of last month.

At that time, in a Facebook post titled "Leaving the Democratic Party," Geum stated, "It has been five months since I was disciplined for not following the party line on the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) and requested a retrial, and two months since the party leadership changed, but the Democratic Party has made no decision," and added, "In this situation, I think it is better for me to leave."

Geum Tae-seop, former member of the Democratic Party of Korea / Photo by Yonhap News

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

During the 20th National Assembly, former lawmaker Geum gained attention for his so-called 'principled remarks' that disregarded the party line. In particular, he continued to voice criticism of the bill establishing the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO).

In December of last year, during the plenary session vote on the CIO bill, he abstained from voting, contrary to the party line. In response, some Democratic Party members submitted a petition in February to expel former lawmaker Geum for violating the party line.

Amid mounting criticism, former lawmaker Geum was eliminated in the primary for the Seoul Gangseo-gap constituency, which was his electoral district, during the April 15 general election. Additionally, the Democratic Party Ethics Committee issued a 'warning' disciplinary action against him at a meeting in May.

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