Geum Tae-seop "Democratic Party Supported Democratization Movement but Does Not Consider It a Faith"

[Asia Economy Reporters Naju-seok and Park Joon-yi] Former lawmaker Geum Tae-seop criticized the Democratic Party of Korea, where he was once a member, saying it does not truly uphold 'democracy.'

On the 18th, during the 'Ahn Cheol-soo - Geum Tae-seop Seoul Mayor Candidate Unification Debate' hosted by Channel A, Geum said, "It is true and appreciated that those in the Democratic Party have participated in the democratization movement," but added, "However, I do not believe they truly uphold democratization."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

He stated, "Democracy is about listening to the opinions of others and reconciling differences," and continued, "Currently, in the Democratic Party, when the president speaks or the party line is set, those who do not follow it are persecuted."

Geum said, "Although it appears that the radical supporters have incited the political sphere, lawmakers have been disciplined for voting according to their conscience," adding, "I have said that we must uphold our principles and embrace diverse opinions, fought internally, and left the party to send a strong message."

He said, "One of the reasons I ran in the mayoral election is largely to awaken the Democratic Party."

Geum emphasized, "For the advancement of our politics, we must go beyond just being conscious of votes and persuade extreme individuals," and urged, "We need to sit down together and discuss why that should not be allowed."

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