Rep. Kim Moonsoo Issues Apology Statement for Abstaining from Impeachment Vote

Flood of Criticism Over US Trip Amid 'Impeachment Motion' Crisis
"Deeply Feel Responsible... Resigning All Party Positions"
"Yoon Suk-yeol Will Do His Best to End Rebellion and Defend Democracy"

Moonsoo Kim, Member of the National Assembly.

Kim Moonsu, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party of Korea representing Suncheon, Gwangyang, Gokseong, and Gurye-gap in South Jeolla Province, has come under criticism for not participating in the National Assembly plenary session and abstaining from the vote on the impeachment motion against Acting President Han Ducksoo. On the night of the 27th, he issued an official apology through a press release.

After holding an emergency parliamentary briefing in Suncheon on the 21st, Kim departed for the United States for a week-long trip. It has been reported that the purpose of his visit to the U.S. was to meet his child.

Within the Democratic Party, there was a strong backlash, with many expressing that it was incomprehensible for Kim to travel to the U.S. during an unprecedented situation where the impeachment motion against the Acting President was passed following the President's impeachment. Kim was the only one among all 192 opposition lawmakers, including those from the Democratic Party, who did not attend the vote on the impeachment motion against Acting President Han Ducksoo.

Roh Jongmyeon, the Democratic Party's spokesperson for the National Assembly, told reporters after the party's general meeting that "appropriate measures at the party level will follow."

As the controversy grew, Kim released an official apology through a press release around 8 p.m. that evening.

In his apology, Kim stated, "In the midst of a grave constitutional crisis marked by the insurrection and constitutional disorder caused by the Yoon Sukyeol administration, I deeply regret and reflect on my failure to participate in the vote on the impeachment motion against Han Ducksoo as a lawmaker who should represent the people."

He continued, "My absence from the plenary session was an irresponsible act that failed to fulfill my duty as a representative of the people," adding, "I fully realize that my betrayal of the public's trust is inexcusable under any circumstances."

He went on to say, "As a Democratic Party lawmaker, I take full responsibility and will resign from all party positions," and added, "I will humbly accept any disciplinary action from the party, and I will use this mistake as an opportunity for deep self-reflection and thorough introspection."

Meanwhile, Kim also stated, "To end the insurrection caused by the Yoon Sukyeol administration and restore constitutional order, I will dedicate myself entirely to the frontlines of the fight to defend democracy together with the people."

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