Opposition Decides Not to Pursue Defense Minister Impeachment... "Appears to Be a De Facto Dismissal"

The Democratic Party of Korea decided on the 15th not to pursue the impeachment of Minister of National Defense Lee Jong-seop regarding allegations of external pressure in the investigation of the Marine Corps soldier Chaesang-byeong's death in the line of duty. However, they stated that they will definitely push for a special prosecutor to uncover the truth.

Defense Minister Lee Jong-seop is responding to lawmakers' questions during the plenary session of the National Assembly held on the 6th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

Spokesperson Kang Seon-woo said at the National Assembly after the Supreme Council meeting that day, "In the case of Minister Lee, it appears that President Yoon Seok-yeol effectively accepted the Democratic Party's dismissal request and essentially removed him under the guise of a resignation."

Earlier, on the 14th, the Democratic Party had intended to discuss whether to file an impeachment motion against the Minister of National Defense at a party members' meeting but failed to reach a conclusion, deciding instead to finalize their stance at the Supreme Council meeting that day. Since Minister Lee reportedly expressed his intention to resign on the 13th, the Democratic Party, which had planned to pursue his impeachment, had been holding off on making a decision.

Spokesperson Kang emphasized, "Even so, we cannot cover up the allegations of external pressure in the investigation of Chaesang-byeong's death. We will mobilize all means to ensure the special prosecutor is appointed."

Regarding Shin Won-sik, the nominee for Minister of National Defense succeeding Minister Lee, Kang said, "He lacks both the capability and values to command the armed forces and is inappropriate. We will conduct a more thorough verification than ever before."

Additionally, the Democratic Party decided to pursue impeachment against 'corrupt prosecutors,' an issue raised within the party. Spokesperson Kang stated, "We have reached a consensus to actively pursue the impeachment of prosecutors confirmed to have engaged in illegal activities at the party level."

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