Kim Ki-hyun 'Death Penalty', Lee Jae-myung 'Impeachment Hint'... Leaders' Harsh Remarks, Escalating Drama

Ruling Party Leader: "Treason Deserves the Death Penalty"
Opposition Leader Sparks Controversy with Impeachment Remarks

The rhetoric between the ruling and opposition party leaders is escalating to new heights. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, hinted at 'presidential impeachment,' while Kim Ki-hyun, leader of the People Power Party, mentioned 'capital punishment,' making it the focal point of controversy.

Amid Lee's hunger strike, allegations of investigation interference involving Colonel Park Jeong-hoon related to the death of Marine Sergeant Chae, the relocation of General Hong Beom-do's bust, ideological debates, and various other controversies erupting in succession, the ruling and opposition parties continue a steep confrontation line. The last regular session of the 21st National Assembly, which began on the 1st, also appears unable to escape the quagmire of political strife.

Kim Ki-hyun, leader of the People Power Party, is speaking at the Busan on-site Supreme Council meeting held on the morning of the 7th at the Busan Port International Exhibition & Convention Center in Dong-gu, Busan. [Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 7th, at the Supreme Council meeting held in Busan, Kim Ki-hyun referred to the allegations of 'false interviews' involving Kim Man-bae and Shin Hak-rim, former chairman of the National Union of Media Workers, stating, "This case is an attempt to usurp national sovereignty and a coup attempt to destroy the democratic republic, a national treason punishable by death."

Kim then targeted Lee, saying, "(Kim Man-bae) could not have acted alone. Kim Man-bae boasted that if Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate, were elected, his innocence would be resolved within three months, which means he had a reliable backing."

The Democratic Party reacted strongly to Kim's mention of capital punishment. Representative Park Ju-min appeared on YTN's The News and criticized, "This is a presidential election manipulation. Even Lee Dong-gwan, the Broadcasting and Communications Commission chairman, said this is a national disgrace and should be shut down. Especially, Kim Ki-hyun's remark that he deserves the death penalty?what is that about?" He added, "Isn't this rather a counter-operation or political issue by the government and ruling party?"

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, sits in a tent in front of the National Assembly on the 8th day of his hunger strike on September 7, 2023. [Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 6th, in an interview on the YouTube channel 'Kim Eo-jun's News Factory: Humility is Difficult,' Lee said, "If the players in the ring act against the will of the people and the national interest, they must be pulled down, and that is democracy," seemingly hinting at the impeachment of President Yoon Seok-youl.

In response, the People Power Party immediately sharpened their stance, calling it 'refusal to accept the presidential election results.' Floor leader Yoon Jae-ok said, "The idea that the president can be removed arbitrarily without clear reasons violating the constitution is a monarchic mindset that allows fandom power to rule the country," adding, "The reckless remarks about impeachment are disobedience to the people's decision and a denial of the democratic system."

However, the Democratic Party leadership drew a line, stating they are not officially pursuing presidential impeachment. Democratic Party spokesperson Park Seong-jun said in response to reporters' questions about impeachment, "It should be seen separately from party-level discussions."

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