Criticism from Both Ruling and Opposition Parties Over Min Hyung-bae's Reinstatement? A Closer Look at the Inside Story

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Min Hyung-bae, a lawmaker who sparked controversy over so-called 'disguised party withdrawal,' has rejoined the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), but aftershocks continue to surround the 'reinstatement decision.' The ruling party criticized Min's withdrawal as a loophole and urged his disqualification from the National Assembly's Education Committee, while the anti-Lee Jae-myung faction (Bi-myeong) criticized the party leadership for making a unilateral decision.

Earlier, in April last year, when the legislation for the so-called "complete revision of the prosecution's investigative powers" (Geomsu Wanbak) was underway, Min, who was a member of the DPK's Legislation and Judiciary Committee (Law Committee), withdrew from the party. This led to criticism that Min had 'illegally withdrawn' to pass bills referred to the Law Committee's agenda adjustment subcommittee, and he was accused of undermining the National Assembly Act.

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, and Min Hyung-bae, a Democratic Party lawmaker, are conversing during the plenary session at the National Assembly on the 27th. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

However, Min rejoined the Democratic Party after one year. On the 26th, Park Hong-geun, the DPK floor leader, announced at the Supreme Council meeting that Min's reinstatement had been decided. Park said, "Since the final ruling (by the Constitutional Court) regarding Geomsu Wanbak has already been made, our Democratic Party believes that while painfully reflecting on the shortcomings pointed out by the Constitutional Court, it is a responsible attitude to now seek understanding from the public and party members and reinstate Min."

The People Power Party (PPP) immediately opposed Min's reinstatement. Lee Tae-gyu and Kwon Eun-hee, ruling party secretaries of the Education Committee, called for Min's disqualification from the committee. At a press conference held at the National Assembly on the 27th, these lawmakers said, "Education is an area that must teach truth and compliance with the law. Min, who shamelessly committed foul play, tricks, and illegal acts and justified them instead of reflecting, is clearly disqualified as an education committee member."

Sudden Reinstatement Decision by the Democratic Party?

First, according to party regulations, there is no disqualification reason for Min's reinstatement. According to Article 11, Paragraph 3 of the DPK party rules, a person who has withdrawn from the party can rejoin after one year from the date of withdrawal. Min withdrew on April 20 last year, so the timing for reinstatement is valid.

The problem lies with public opinion. Since the 2021 party convention, the so-called 'money envelope' scandal involving illegal political funds has emerged, spreading judicial risks across the entire party, and public sentiment has cooled significantly.

Moreover, Min's withdrawal has already been judged illegal by judicial authorities. Last month, the Constitutional Court ruled that Min's participation in the Law Committee's agenda adjustment subcommittee after withdrawing was "procedurally improper, infringing on the National Assembly's deliberation and voting rights," thus violating legislative authority.

Former Floor Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, Park Hong-geun, is holding a floor strategy meeting at the party office in the National Assembly on the 25th. Photo by Yonhap News

In this context, the Democratic Party's decision to reinstate Min Hyung-bae is interpreted as a judgment that the timing is advantageous. It is a recurring practice across parties for politicians who caused controversies to quietly rejoin while public attention is focused elsewhere. Since political issues are currently concentrated on President Yoon Seok-youl's state visit to the United States, the party calculated that Min could be reinstated without major controversy.

There is also analysis that the mainstream faction within the party pushed to finalize Min's reinstatement under Park Hong-geun's leadership as his term was ending. In fact, Min's reinstatement was not sudden; just two months after his withdrawal, there were calls, mainly from first-term lawmakers, to reinstate him. The logic was that Min's withdrawal was a 'sacrificial withdrawal' to pass the Geomsu Wanbak bill.

Park Hong-geun also stated on the 26th when announcing Min's reinstatement, "Since the final ruling on the Geomsu Wanbak legislation has already been made, the Democratic Party will painfully reflect on the shortcomings pointed out by the Constitutional Court and now seek understanding from the public and party members and reinstate Min as a responsible attitude."

The political relationship between 'politician Min Hyung-bae' and Representative Lee is also noteworthy regarding the reinstatement. Min is from Honam and served as mayor of Gwangsan District in Gwangju Metropolitan City. During the Moon Jae-in administration, he worked at the Blue House as Secretary for Local Autonomy Development and Secretary for Social Policy, classifying him as a pro-Moon (Chin-Moon) faction member.

However, during the last DPK presidential primary, he supported Lee Jae-myung, not former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon. As a pro-Moon figure from Honam supporting Lee Jae-myung, Min attracted attention. While Min's presence was uncomfortable for the pro-Lee Nak-yeon faction based in Honam, for Lee Jae-myung, who is from Daegu and Gyeongbuk (TK), Min was a valuable asset.

Min Hyung-bae, member of the Democratic Party of Korea. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

‘Sacrificial Withdrawal’ Min Hyung-bae’s Reinstatement Welcomed Amidst Fierce Opposition from Bi-myeong Faction Calling It "Ugly Filth"

However, even within the Democratic Party, criticism has emerged that Min's reinstatement was a unilateral decision by the party leadership. On the 27th, DPK lawmaker Lee Won-wook questioned on Facebook, "If this was such a simple matter to be decided at a closed Supreme Council meeting, why was the reinstatement delayed until now? Was an event needed for the floor leader's finale?" DPK lawmaker Lee Sang-min also said on Facebook, "It feels like being covered in ugly filth," adding, "I am sinking into deep helplessness."

The main reason the Bi-myeong faction lawmakers strongly oppose Min's reinstatement is seen as a move to highlight risks associated with the 'Lee Jae-myung regime.' The Bi-myeong faction has demanded Lee's 'orderly resignation,' starting with his judicial risks.

Meanwhile, Min himself seems aware of the controversy surrounding his reinstatement and expressed regret. Through Facebook, he said, "I respect the judgments of the Constitutional Court and the party," adding, "It was unintentionally tumultuous. I am sorry. I will humbly accept criticism and advice."

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