"Disguised Party Defection" Min Hyung-bae's Reinstatement... Yoo Jung-joo "Welcomes with Open Arms"

"Min Hyung-bae's Selfless Dedication... A Stepping Stone for Prosecution Reform"

Min Hyung-bae, an independent lawmaker who was criticized for defecting during the legislative process of the Complete Removal of Prosecutors' Investigation Rights Act (Geomsu Wanbak) and thereby undermining the National Assembly Act, has rejoined the Democratic Party of Korea, drawing voices welcoming his return.

On the 26th, Park Hong-geun, the floor leader of the Democratic Party, announced at the Supreme Council meeting, "Min lawmaker inevitably participated in the legislation of Geomsu Wanbak by making a principled decision to defect based on his conviction," and stated that Min's reinstatement was approved.

Min Hyung-bae, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, is answering questions from reporters regarding his withdrawal related to the 'Complete Prosecution Reform' after the plenary session on the afternoon of the 23rd. Photo by Yonhap News

Lawmaker Yoo Jeong-ju sent a message welcoming Min's return. Through his Facebook on the same day, he said, "As a member of the Party Membership Review Committee, I participated in the decision on Min Hyung-bae's reinstatement," adding, "I was even happier to witness the moment the reinstatement decision was made."

He continued, "Min Hyung-bae's putting the party before himself became a stepping stone on the path to prosecutorial reform," and said, "We could not leave Min lawmaker isolated any longer. I wholeheartedly welcome Min Hyung-bae's return."

Earlier, lawmaker Kang Deuk-gu also requested Min's reinstatement. On the 20th, Kang stated on Facebook, "Min Hyung-bae is a person who upholds his convictions and principles from a political calling and public standpoint," and added, "As a fellow politician, I support and cheer for Min Hyung-bae, who is maintaining his political convictions."

He said, "Some criticize him for breaking parliamentary customs, but without Min Hyung-bae's decision, the amendment to the Prosecutors' Office Act, which marked the beginning of prosecutorial reform, would not have been passed."

Meanwhile, some within the party have raised criticism regarding the decision to reinstate Min. Lawmaker Lee Sang-min expressed on Facebook that "the cunning defection was truly shameful, so reinstatement is outrageous," and added, "After being devastated by the money envelope scandal, it feels like we are covered in filthy filth."

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