Kim Jong-in, MB·Park's Public Apology... Will People Power Cross the 'River of Impeachment'? (Comprehensive)

Kim: "The President's Fault Is the Ruling Party's Fault... Sincere Apology"
Shared Draft with Joo Ho-young... Built Consensus in Advance
Opposition Points Out 'Inappropriate Timing'

Kim Jong-in, the Emergency Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, is making a public apology at the National Assembly on the 15th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Kim Jong-in, the Emergency Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, issued a public apology on the 15th regarding former Presidents Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye.

Chairman Kim held an emergency press conference at the National Assembly that morning and stated, "On December 9, 2016, the motion to impeach President Park Geun-hye was passed in the National Assembly, and now, four years later, two former presidents of the Republic of Korea are simultaneously in custody." He added, "I stand here today to offer a sincere apology to the people regarding this issue." He continued, "The party that produces the president is entrusted by the people with the responsibility and duty to lead the country well. The president's mistakes are, in essence, the ruling party's mistakes."

Chairman Kim said, "Despite the unprecedented event of a president being impeached and stepping down, we should have humbly reflected and been cautious, fearing the people as if they were the heavens, but we lacked the mindset of reflection and introspection." He apologized, bowing his head, for the disappointment the public must have felt due to such outdated attitudes. He also stated, "The mistakes of the two former presidents are deeply shadowed by the dark ties between politics and business. There are allegations of collusion with specific companies to gain unfair benefits or facilitating succession in management. Furthermore, there is the crime of unauthorized individuals interfering in state affairs, disrupting law and order, and monopolizing power."

This apology has drawn attention as to whether the People Power Party can truly cross the 'river of impeachment' beyond superficial unity. This is the first time a party leader affiliated with the People Power Party has officially apologized on this issue. Chairman Kim completed a draft apology earlier this month and had been considering the timing. Initially, he planned to apologize on the 9th, marking four years since the National Assembly passed the impeachment motion against former President Park, but postponed it to focus on parliamentary battles against the ruling Democratic Party's forced passage of contentious bills, following the opinion of the party's floor leadership. On the 13th, Kim told reporters, "Since a filibuster (legally obstructing parliamentary proceedings through unlimited debate) is ongoing, I thought the timing was not appropriate, so I adjusted the schedule."

Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, is attending the party strategy meeting held at the National Assembly on the 15th and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Chairman Kim shared the draft apology with Joo Ho-young, the floor leader of the People Power Party, and formed a prior consensus. This is seen as an effort to minimize internal backlash against the public apology. Floor leader Joo reportedly agreed with the content of Kim's apology, saying, "That much reflection is naturally possible." Bae Jun-young, spokesperson for the People Power Party, told Asia Economy in a phone interview that "some senior lawmakers also believe an apology is necessary, and many first-term lawmakers agree," adding, "Although there was some internal opposition, a certain level of consensus was formed."

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Chairman Kim had expressed his intention to apologize to the public once the Supreme Court ruling on former President Park was finalized, even before his inauguration. However, whenever Kim mentioned a public apology, internal disagreements surfaced, and the timing was delayed due to internal persuasion. On the 6th, Kim showed strong determination regarding the apology, saying, "Isn't it time when it must be done?"

Opponents argued that it was inappropriate timing, questioning the need to self-stigmatize ahead of elections. The impeachment issue, which had subsided after the recent general election defeat, resurfaced. Some lawmakers openly criticized Chairman Kim. On the 6th, Bae Hyun-jin, the People Power Party floor spokesperson, sharply said, "If you insist on an unexpected apology, shouldn't you first apologize for the very birth of the Moon Jae-in administration?" Lawmaker Jang Je-won said, "It is a clear overreach without procedural legitimacy or the legitimacy of the apologizing party."

On the other hand, potential leaders within the People Power Party have expressed support for the public apology one after another. This is interpreted as an attempt to align with Chairman Kim's party reform and to attract moderate voters. On the 9th, Won Hee-ryong, Governor of Jeju Province, said, "I apologize. I ask for forgiveness. I will ensure that power is never abused again and that the constitution is never violated," adding, "I will stake everything and use all my strength to prevent such incidents from recurring." Former People Power Party lawmaker Yoo Seung-min said, "If we provoke division again over impeachment, it will only help extend the Moon Jae-in administration's rule," urging, "Let's cross the river of impeachment." Former Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon also emphasized, "We are the party responsible for the impeachment," and said, "The apology and reflection are overdue."

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