Democratic Party Divided Over 'Lee Jae-myung Resignation Theory'? Ruling Party Says "Cut Ties with Lee Even Now"

Kim Hae-young's "Step Down Now" Remark Highlights Pro-Myung vs. Anti-Myung Conflict
Party Office Raided, Arrests of Moon Appointees Prompt Calls for "Unity"
Focus on Investigation Outcome... Democratic Party Says "Must Prepare for Post-Lee Jae-myung"

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is holding a press conference with a stern expression in front of the Democratic Party of Korea Central Party Office in Yeouido, Seoul, on the morning of the 24th, while the prosecution's search and seizure of the Democratic Research Institute is underway.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Yunjin Kim] Signs of internal division have been detected within the Democratic Party of Korea. Although the party leadership emphasizes "unity," there are concerns that conflicts may become overt depending on the progress of the investigation into allegations of illegal presidential election funds involving party leader Lee Jae-myung. The People Power Party has launched an offensive, employing a 'divide and conquer' strategy between Lee and the Democratic Party.

Kim Hae-young, a moderate and principled member of the party considered non-Lee Jae-myung faction, sparked attention on the 22nd by posting on his Facebook, "Leader Lee Jae-myung, enough is enough. Please step down from the stage of history." This came amid interpretations that the arrest warrant issued for Kim Yong, deputy director of the Democratic Research Institute and a close aide to Lee, had substantially substantiated the allegations of illegal presidential election fund receipt.

This is the first time a voice from the opposition has publicly called for Lee's resignation. Previously, some lawmakers had expressed critical opinions regarding Lee's holding of defense industry stocks. On the 17th, Representative Jeon Jae-soo appeared on BBS Radio and described Lee's stock transactions immediately after the presidential election as "somewhat disappointing," which drew backlash from some hardline supporters. As the prosecution's investigation into Lee's close aides accelerates, concerns about the realization of the 'Lee Jae-myung risk' are emerging.

In response to Kim's resignation demand, pro-Lee lawmakers within the party expressed discomfort, calling it "internal betrayal." On the 23rd, Representative Kim Nam-guk criticized Kim Hae-young's remarks on his Facebook, calling it "opportunistic politics that only fosters internal division while turning a blind eye to the government's incompetence and irresponsibility." On the 24th, Representative Ahn Min-seok appeared on YTN Radio and sharply rebuked the remarks as politics that undermine party unity, warning, "If second and third statements like those from Kim Hae-young's office continue, the party will become very chaotic. This is exactly what the People Power Party intends."

Seemingly aware of the internal conflict, the Democratic Party leadership issued messages urging unity. At a press briefing held at the National Assembly on the 23rd, Chief Deputy Floor Leader Jin Sung-jun said, "I cannot understand on what grounds unilateral claims by the prosecution are being accepted as facts. It is difficult to understand why premature judgments are being expressed recklessly, causing internal party strife," calling for restraint. Secretary-General Jo Jeong-sik urged, "Now is the time to unite and fight together against prosecutorial dictatorship and the new security state."

The People Power Party is already employing a strategy to shake the Democratic Party by separating Lee and the party lawmakers. On the 24th, Representative Yoon Sang-hyun pointed out on his Facebook, "Because of Leader Lee, who has turned 169 incumbent Democratic Party lawmakers into his personal lawyers, the so-called non-Lee faction is literally screaming," accusing that party lawmakers are being used for Lee's personal benefit. Representative Kim Ki-hyun called for Lee's resignation, saying, "Now is the time for the Democratic Party to cut ties with Lee and prepare for the post-Lee Jae-myung era."

For now, since the Democratic Party is united in condemning the government's 'disregard for the National Assembly and oppression of the opposition,' the difference in views on Lee is unlikely to lead to party division. The Democratic Party has taken a tough stance at the party level following the arrest of former Defense Minister Seo Wook and other Moon Jae-in government officials, and after a second search of the party headquarters on the 24th. However, if future prosecution investigations reveal evidence linking Lee to illegal presidential election fund allegations, it seems inevitable that internal conflicts will intensify.

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