Kim Youngjin Criticizes Lee Seongyun: "A Referee Should Not Campaign Against a Candidate... Criticism Should Follow Resignation"

Lee Kwanghee Says, "Lee Seongyun Has Crossed the Line... Must Clarify His Position"

Within the Democratic Party, criticism has emerged regarding the level of remarks made by Supreme Council Member Lee Sung-yoon, who is expected to seek re-election as a Supreme Council member. This criticism is based on the view that it is not appropriate for the party leadership, which is setting the rules for the August 17 National Convention, to continue making comments targeting a specific candidate.

On July 9, Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Youngjin appeared on SBS Radio’s "Kim Tae-hyun’s Political Show" and said, "The Democratic Party leadership serves as the referee. Since Lee is a Supreme Council member, isn’t he also a referee?" He continued, "It is not appropriate for a referee to continue campaigning against a particular player in this way." He added, "If he intends to make such remarks, it would be better for him to resign as Supreme Council member before voicing criticism."

(Seoul=Yonhap News) Photo by Kwangmo Hwang = Lee Sung-yoon, Supreme Council Member of the Democratic Party, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on February 4, 2026. hkmpooh@yna.co.kr (End)

Assemblyman Kim also pointed out that Lee, "in the position of Supreme Council member, is responsible for setting the rules and the schedule for the convention," emphasizing that "it is necessary to conduct these affairs fairly."

He added, "I believe this is the first time that a Supreme Council member or party leadership in the Democratic Party has acted in this way toward a specific candidate. In my 30 years of experience with the Democratic Party, I have never seen a Supreme Council member go this far against a particular candidate."

On July 6, Lee Sung-yoon raised suspicions on social media that former Prime Minister Kim did not attend the vote to lift emergency martial law, stating, "He said he took cold medicine and went to sleep, but what were the ingredients in that medicine?" When former Prime Minister Kim responded by releasing CCTV footage, Lee then demanded an explanation for what happened during the two hours Kim was late to the National Assembly.

Assemblyman Kim stated, "There are certain lines that should be respected. If someone wishes to speak out in this way, it would be more appropriate to step down from the leadership first and then speak freely."

He continued, "If Lee has questions, he should seek the answers himself. It does not seem appropriate for the Democratic Party to exist just to resolve Lee’s personal curiosities."

Democratic Party Assemblyman Lee Kwanghee also criticized Lee’s actions the previous day on social media, saying, "Lee’s conduct as Supreme Council member has crossed the line. While maintaining his position, he is openly pursuing re-election and continuously undermining the party leader candidate." He added, "I could not stand by any longer, so I am posting this. I urge him to immediately step down from his post as Supreme Council member and clarify his intentions regarding his future."

According to the Democratic Party’s constitution and regulations, there is no set deadline for the party leader or Supreme Council members to resign in order to seek re-election. This has previously led to controversy regarding the resignation of former leader Jeong Cheongrae, as some believe that if a candidate participates in setting the convention rules, it could undermine fairness.

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