Why Are Pro-Yoon Factions Criticizing Kim Jae-won and Tae Young-ho as Supreme Council Members?

Criticism of Gangnam Incumbent and Yeongnam Former Lawmaker
"Judged Not Helpful for General Election"
"Party Membership Suspension for 1 Year Possible to Prevent Candidacy"

Within the party, there is a growing public opinion demanding disciplinary action against Kim Jae-won and Tae Young-ho, senior members of the People Power Party, who have caused a decline in the party's approval ratings due to a series of controversies. Notably, key figures considered close to Yoon’s faction have targeted Kim and Tae, signaling a shift in the dynamics among the party’s core forces.

On the 19th, Secretary-General Lee, in an interview with KBS Radio's 'Choi Kyung-young's Strongest Current Affairs,' suggested the possibility of disciplinary action regarding Kim’s controversial remarks about the May 18 Gwangju Uprising and Pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon of Sarang Jeil Church, stating, "It seems to contradict the ideology and values pursued by the party."

He added, "While I wouldn’t criticize an individual for appearing on platforms like YouTube, what they say there is important. Those remarks have not been well received," and continued, "Since the Ethics Committee has been formed, the chairperson and members of the committee will take appropriate measures."

Kim Jae-won, Supreme Council Member of the People Power Party (left), and Tae Young-ho, Supreme Council Member. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding Tae’s comments on the Jeju 4.3 Incident, Secretary-General Lee defended him by saying, "Because Tae was educated in North Korea, he learned that the Jeju 4.3 Incident was a popular uprising in South Korea incited by Kim Il-sung’s teachings," but also expressed, "I hope he exercises restraint."

On controversies such as the Japanese Diplomatic Bluebook and remarks about the Democratic Party’s JMS, Lee stated, "I do not consider Tae’s series of remarks to be appropriate, nor do I agree with them."

Lee Yong, a key pro-Yoon lawmaker who served as the chief of staff during President Yoon Seok-yeol’s presidential campaign, pressured Kim to voluntarily resign. In an interview with SBS Radio's 'Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show,' Lee said regarding Kim’s position, "I will leave the decision of voluntary resignation to him, but I think some action is necessary," adding, "It might be the wisest for him to decide his own position."

Regarding party leader Kim Ki-hyun, Lee criticized, "One of the biggest regrets in our party is that it has been just over a month since the party leader took office on March 8, yet all the issues initially focused on Kim Jae-won have now shifted continuously toward Pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon. The party leader is currently invisible."

It is considered unusual that key members of the pro-Yoon faction are collectively targeting the party leadership and even pressuring for resignations. The current People Power Party leadership was elected through a 100% party member vote and is perceived as a 'pro-Yoon leadership.'

At the March 8 party convention, all non-pro-Yoon figures who criticized the government or the party internally were defeated. However, now another split is emerging within the group previously united as pro-Yoon.

In political circles, this behavior by the pro-Yoon core is also interpreted as linked to next year’s general election nominations. Jang Sung-chul, director of the Public Opinion Center, appeared on YTN News N Issue and analyzed, "(The pro-Yoon core) seems to be creating an atmosphere demanding voluntary resignation," adding, "They have judged that it would not be helpful for Kim to remain a senior member, continue in politics, receive nominations, and run."

He further predicted, "We need to see to what extent the Ethics Committee’s disciplinary action will go, but if Kim does not clarify his position, he could face suspension of party membership for over a year, effectively barring him from running in next year’s general election."

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