'Abandoning Non-Arrest' at a Standstill... Will the Democratic Innovation Committee Enforce 'Eradication of Evasive Resignations'?

Kim Nam-guk and Song Young-gil Seem Aware of Criticism Over 'Trick Resignation'
Concerns Over Loss of Momentum for Innovation Committee if Second Reform Plan Also Fails

The Innovation Committee of the Democratic Party of Korea proposed the waiver of parliamentary immunity as its first reform measure, but it failed to gain consensus within the party. As the second reform measure, the committee suggested curbing so-called 'trick resignations.' Attention is focused on whether the Innovation Committee, which has begun full-scale reform efforts by recruiting additional academics classified as pro-Moon Jae-in faction, can achieve results this time.

As the second reform measure, the Democratic Party Innovation Committee plans to announce measures to prevent trick resignations by officials facing allegations of misconduct. This appears to be in response to public criticism following the voluntary resignations of lawmakers such as Kim Nam-guk, who was embroiled in controversy over virtual asset investments, former party leader Song Young-gil, who faced allegations of 'money envelopes' during the party convention, and lawmakers Yoon Kwan-seok and Lee Sung-man.

The Innovation Committee is reportedly considering significantly strengthening the party's rules and regulations regarding penalties for reinstatement of voluntary resignants.

According to Article 11 (Reinstatement) of the current party regulations, those expelled from the party or who resigned to avoid disciplinary action are restricted from reinstatement for five years. However, if the Party Affairs Committee grants an exception, they can undergo reinstatement procedures after one year, just like ordinary resignants.

With the completion of additional appointments, the Innovation Committee plans to accelerate comprehensive reform efforts, including the second reform measure. On the 30th of last month, Democratic Party lawmaker Hwang Hee and Professors Lee Jin of Geonyang University and Park Sung-jin of Gwangju National University of Education newly joined as innovation committee members.

Democratic Party Innovation Committee spokespersons Yoon Hyung-jung and Kim Nam-hee are briefing the results of the 2nd Innovation Committee meeting at the National Assembly Communication Hall on the afternoon of the 23rd of last month.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

However, it remains uncertain whether the Innovation Committee can push through the second reform measure. The first reform measure demanded by the Innovation Committee?'a pledge by all Democratic Party lawmakers to waive parliamentary immunity and the adoption of a party resolution to approve arrest consent'?did not make it onto the agenda of the lawmakers' meeting on the 30th of last month, effectively stalling progress.

Contrary to initial expectations that the Innovation Committee would propose new directions on key internal conflicts such as the abolition of the delegate system and nomination rules, analysis suggests that the committee has encountered difficulties from the early stages of its activities. If the second reform measure also fails following the first, there are concerns that the Innovation Committee itself will lose momentum.

Regarding this, Innovation Committee member Lawmaker Hwang said in an interview with SBS Radio's 'Kim Taehyun's Political Show' on the 3rd that the criticism about the lack of consensus within the party on the waiver of parliamentary immunity pledge was due to "the lack of physical time for discussion within the party."

He also pointed out that signing the waiver pledge with the 21st National Assembly's term nearing its end is merely a performance. Lawmaker Hwang said, "Ruling party lawmakers all signed the waiver pledge, and of course, they made a tremendous decision, but this is effectively a temporary measure lasting only 10 months," adding, "When the 22nd National Assembly convenes, won't they all have to sign again?"

Hwang said, "If there is a willingness to do so, serious discussions between the ruling and opposition parties on amending the National Assembly Act are necessary; performances like this, I think, the public already sees through."

Former Supreme Council member Park Sung-min believes the Innovation Committee should accelerate reform efforts despite lukewarm responses within the party. On the same day, appearing on BBS Radio's 'Jeon Young-shin's Morning Journal,' Park said, "I also sympathize with concerns that discussions might end only at the Innovation Committee level," but argued, "What is important is to show a consistent flow."

Park emphasized, "The Innovation Committee is a kind of drastic remedy, established to correct inconsistent and unsteady stances that have not been maintained within the party so far," adding, "If the party does not agree or respond to the first and second reform measures, I hope the Innovation Committee does not fold but rather pushes forward more strongly. What the Innovation Committee needs is a 'Jungkkyeokma' (an unwavering spirit)."

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