Ruling and Opposition Clash Intensifies Over Lee Sang-min's Impeachment... "Democratic Leadership Apologize" vs "Shameless Regime"

People Power Party "Democratic Party Leadership Subject to Impeachment"
Democratic Party "What's Wrong with Demanding Accountability?"

The Constitutional Court's dismissal of the impeachment motion filed by the National Assembly against Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min over the inadequate response to the 'October 28 Itaewon Disaster' has intensified political clashes between the ruling and opposition parties. The People Power Party demanded an apology from the Democratic Party leadership, while the Democratic Party counterattacked, calling the government "shameless."

Kim Ki-hyun, leader of the People Power Party, raised his voice at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 26th, saying, "The Democratic Party leadership, which led the impeachment of Minister Lee, is the real target of impeachment," and added, "Isn't it common sense that they should apologize for their irresponsible 'reckless violence' and 'impeachment' and that the party leadership should take responsibility?" He further pointed out, "Nevertheless, contrary to this common sense, the Democratic Party still brings up impeachment like a panacea."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Image source=Yonhap News]

He also condemned, "If the Democratic Party were a party with common sense, voices calling for the party leadership's responsibility would be normal," adding, "A force that irresponsibly exercises its authority in an 'all or nothing' manner despite being entrusted with serious national affairs is a social evil more severe than reckless violence."

Yoon Jae-ok, floor leader of the People Power Party, said, "The Democratic Party is showing a brazen attitude," and stated, "Once the Constitutional Court's judgment was made, the Democratic Party should have at least expressed an apology for abusing the impeachment right and leaving the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the department overseeing disaster management, leaderless for nearly six months."

In response, Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party, said at the Supreme Council meeting on the same day, "A total of 159 people lost their lives due to the government's fault without any wrongdoing on their part, yet no one takes responsibility," and questioned, "Is it so wrong to demand accountability? Have you ever seen such a shameless government?" Lee added, "There should be limits even to impudence and shamelessness," and urged, "The government, Yongsan, and the ruling party should regain their conscience and come to their senses. They must feel at least some responsibility."

Park Kwang-on, floor leader of the Democratic Party, said, "The bereaved families cannot accept the Constitutional Court's decision to dismiss the impeachment of Minister Lee Sang-min and are protesting with tears, and the public feels as if they have a stone tied to their hearts," and pointed out, "The Constitutional Court's decision not to dismiss does not absolve responsibility for Minister Lee."

Park emphasized, "The minister in charge and the government, who must protect the lives and safety of the people, should apologize to the bereaved families with at least humility, remorse, and a sense of responsibility," adding, "It is arrogance toward the people that no one in a responsible position apologizes to the victims and their families or takes responsibility. The Democratic Party will continue efforts to hold them accountable." Reporters Ryu Tae-min and Kim Young-won

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