Ryu Ho-jeong Endures Criticism from Justice Party: "Please Observe the Courtesy of Parting"

Loss of Assembly Seat Upon Voluntary Resignation from Proportional Representation
Justice Party Warns "Disciplinary Action if Not Resigned by the 16th"

Ryu Ho-jeong, a Justice Party lawmaker, is facing outrage from the party after refusing to heed calls to leave and instead choosing to 'hold firm.' On the 8th, Ryu declared her intention to join the new party 'Saeroun Seontaek' (New Choice), led by former lawmaker Geum Tae-seop. However, she has not relinquished her Justice Party membership, stating, "I have no intention of voluntarily leaving," which has sparked criticism.

Ryu was elected as the number one proportional representative candidate for the Justice Party in the 21st general election. According to the National Assembly Act, if a proportional representative lawmaker leaves their affiliated party, they automatically lose their seat. However, if expelled or dismissed by the party through disciplinary action, they can retain their seat as an independent. The Justice Party views Ryu as aiming to be expelled rather than voluntarily leaving in order to keep her seat.

Ryu Ho-jeong, a Justice Party lawmaker, is holding a press conference on youth-related policy announcements at the National Assembly on the 13th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Kang Eun-mi, a Justice Party lawmaker, said on KBS Gwangju Radio 1's 'Mudeung's Morning', "I even wondered, 'Did we really choose a lawmaker with no minimum courtesy as our number one proportional candidate?'" and added, "I want to apologize to the supporters and voters who have always supported the Justice Party."

She went on to criticize Ryu, saying, "A proportional representative lawmaker represents their party, so it is incomprehensible to officially declare the formation of another party while still affiliated with the party."

Kim Jun-woo, the Justice Party emergency committee chairman, said on YTN Radio's 'News King with Park Ji-hoon,' "We apologize to the public for (the proportional representative) leaving, but we are not condemning Ryu for leaving the Justice Party itself," adding, "We just ask that she observe the etiquette of parting when she leaves."

The Justice Party announced that if Ryu does not resign her seat, she will be referred to the disciplinary committee on the 17th. However, Ryu has stated that she will not voluntarily leave and intends to stay in the party to persuade other members to join the new party.

In a CBS radio interview, Ryu explained the background of her joint founding declaration with former lawmaker Geum Tae-seop, saying, "The two-party system cannot continue; we must break the polarized factional politics. We shared the political attitude that the current hostile approach toward those with different views cannot advance citizens' lives in any way," adding, "We will refrain from provoking the opposition to gain factional support. To resolve conflicts, dialogue and compromise are necessary."

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