"Clear Overreach" vs "Conservatives Must Apologize to Show True Nature" Kim Jong-in's 'Apology' Announcement Sparks Opposition Disagreement

Baek Hyunjin "Irresponsible Itinerant Byeon"
Jang Je-won "Illegitimate, Unauthorized Overreach"
Ha Tae-kyung, Won Hee-ryong, Yoo Seung-min 'Support Apology'

Kim Jong-in, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, is speaking at the Emergency Members' General Meeting held at the National Assembly on the morning of the 8th.
Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy reporters Seunggon Han and Juhee Kang] Kim Jong-in, the Emergency Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, announced his intention to issue a 'public apology' regarding the imprisonment of former President Lee Myung-bak and the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye. Within the opposition party, opinions are divided on this matter. While some criticize Chairman Kim as committing a 'clear overreach,' others argue that a public apology is essential for party reform.

On the 8th, Bae Hyun-jin, the floor spokesperson for the People Power Party, posted on her Facebook criticizing Chairman Kim's public apology plan, saying, "You are mistaken," and added, "The chairman frequently threatens to resign, but that is not the attitude of a mature adult. It is not even a threatening last stand."

She continued, "It only sounds like an irresponsible transient saying, 'I am someone who can leave anytime,' inviting countless sarcastic remarks," and said, "At this moment, what is impoverishing the lives of all citizens is the Moon Jae-in administration, a demonic fetus disguised as democracy. Please fulfill your duties as the Emergency Committee Chairman and behave appropriately as the party leader."

Similarly, Seo Byung-soo, a party member, wrote on Facebook on the 6th, "Is it really because we have not apologized for the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye that the right-wing in South Korea has not found its place?" He expressed opposition, saying, "Now, the priority is to unite forces inside and outside the party to punish the ruthless left-wing 586 faction dreaming of dictatorship by controlling the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, and to make the party function normally."

On the 7th, Jang Je-won also posted on Facebook, "The People Power Party is not Chairman Kim's private faction. This is a clear overreach without procedural legitimacy or the legitimacy of the apology's subject," and pointed out, "An apology that has not gone through even a single party meeting cannot be considered procedurally legitimate."

On the morning of the 2nd, at the joint meeting of the Emergency Response Committee Chairperson and senior members of the People Power Party held at the National Assembly, Emergency Response Committee Chairperson Kim Jong-in (right) and Floor Leader Joo Ho-young (left) are having a conversation. Photo by Yonhap News

On the other hand, some opposition figures have expressed support for Chairman Kim's plan for a public apology.

On the 9th, Ha Tae-kyung, a People Power Party lawmaker, wrote on Facebook, "Blocking Chairman Kim Jong-in's apology is blocking party reform," emphasizing, "The public has scolded our party for failing to properly reform after the impeachment. We must reflect on our own faults to gain the public's trust."

Park Jin, also from the same party, said, "Reflection on mistakes is the true nature of conservatism," adding, "Reflection on the past is neither avoidable nor should be avoided. Showing internal disputes over this only disappoints the public."

Former People Power Party lawmaker Yoo Seung-min warned against party division on the 8th, saying, "Who would benefit if conservatism is divided because of the impeachment? The government and ruling party boast about winning the next election because they believe conservatism will be divided again over impeachment."

He added, "If there is a genuine will to govern, let's move beyond impeachment now. If we continue to criticize each other's conscience and beliefs even after four years, the fights and divisions will never end. It is time to understand each other's positions and reconcile," expressing support for Chairman Kim's intention.

Jeju Governor Won Hee-ryong also posted on Facebook that day, saying, "For four years, our party has not made a sincere apology. It means no one has taken full responsibility," and pledged, "Now is the time to answer. I apologize. I ask for forgiveness. I will ensure that power is never abused and the constitution is never violated again."

Meanwhile, Chairman Kim decided to postpone the public apology scheduled for the 9th until after the regular National Assembly session. This is interpreted as a response to the internal backlash within the party over the apology and the ongoing clashes with the Democratic Party of Korea, which is pushing through key bills including amendments to the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Office Act.

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