"Money Envelope·Kim Nam-guk Incident" Democratic Party's 'Reform General Assembly' Begins

Resolution Adoption Scheduled After Comprehensive Discussion

The Democratic Party held a party caucus on the afternoon of the 14th to come up with a reform plan. During this caucus, discussions are expected to continue late into the night regarding innovative measures to eradicate illegal political funding issues within the party. Although the issue of Representative Kim Nam-guk's position was expected to be addressed, it is unlikely to become a major agenda item as he resigned from the party earlier that morning.

Floor leader Park Kwang-on said, "This caucus is not one where conclusions have been predetermined. I will not ask to leave the matter to the leadership later," adding, "Let us make a decision here in any form that shows the public our commitment."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The caucus is planned to proceed in the order of announcing the results of a survey on the 'Democratic Party Reform Plan' (targeting Democratic Party members) and public opinion polls (targeting citizens and party members), followed by free discussion, subgroup discussions by standing committees, and a comprehensive discussion. After the comprehensive discussion, a resolution document bearing the signatures of all members is also expected to be adopted.

Before the start of the caucus, party leader Lee Jae-myung issued a public apology regarding the 'Kim Nam-guk coin incident' during his opening remarks.

Meanwhile, immediately after the leadership's opening remarks, the caucus was switched to a closed session, prompting some members to argue that the caucus should be open. Representative Seol Hoon stated, "Originally, caucuses were supposed to be open. At some point, it became taken for granted that they would be closed," adding, "The public needs to know the discussions of their representatives. Even if there are conflicts, the strength to overcome them naturally emerges within."

Representative Shin Dong-geun also added, "We need to show the public how our party is responding and how much we intend to reform. I propose an open caucus."

Floor leader Park said, "There are parts of today's report that are difficult to disclose to the media. From the next caucus onward, we will seek prior consent to make it an open caucus whenever possible."

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