Kim Minseok Responds to Lee Seokyeon's 'President Leaving Party' Claim: "Ignorance and Misunderstanding of Constitution"

"Party Politics Defined by the Constitution"
"Does Not Align with Principles of Responsible Politics"
"Need to Consider Future Revisions to Party Rules and Regulations"

Kim Minseok, leader of the Democratic Party, stated on August 20, "Recent discussions both inside and outside the party about the complete separation of party and government or about the president resigning from the party in their first year are based on ignorance or misunderstanding of the Constitution."

This appears to be a rebuttal to a recent comment by Lee Seokyeon, head of the Presidential Commission for National Unity, who suggested that President Lee Jaemyung should leave the Democratic Party to become "the president for everyone."

Kim Minseok, leader of the Democratic Party, is speaking at a members' meeting held at the National Assembly on the 20th. August 20, 2026 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

At a members' meeting held at the National Assembly on this day, Kim said, "There was a remark from a relatively influential public official suggesting that, in order for the president to become the president of everyone, it would be more appropriate to leave the party." He emphasized his position on the issue.

Earlier, Chairman Lee stated that to overcome the national divide, "I hope President Lee will step beyond the political boundaries of being the president of a single party."

Kim said, "The party-based political system is stipulated in the Constitution, and Article 70 of the party charter already defines the relationship between the party and the president." He added, "A party member elected as president has both the authority to participate in party policy decisions during their term and the obligation to implement party policies." He further explained, "During the president's term, the party's policies are to be faithfully reflected in the administration, and the party is to actively support the president's governance."

He continued, "Even from the perspective of the principle of responsible politics, this logic does not hold. From the party's standpoint, this is a logic that can never be accepted, and it is also inconsistent with historical precedent."

Kim went on, "Even under the current party constitution and regulations, the relationship between the party, the president, and the Blue House is clearly defined. If necessary, I believe we can consider revising the party rules to further strengthen this through a comprehensive party-level discussion."

Additionally, regarding Assemblywoman Lee Jinsook of the People Power Party, Kim said, "One of the most important issues we must address is the case of Lee Jinsook." He continued, "It is an insult to sit in the National Assembly alongside someone like Lee Jinsook." He stressed, "The issue of Lee Jinsook's position must be resolved. Her presence is a challenge to the Constitution."

Assemblywoman Lee previously caused controversy by holding a debate at the National Assembly that demeaned the May 18 Gwangju Democratic Movement.

Kim said, "If it is difficult to form or carry out procedures with the National Assembly's Ethics Committee, I think the National Assembly should suspend (her) qualifications as an assembly member with a majority vote during the plenary session." He also noted, "I thought it would be best to propose such a bill, and I am aware that Assemblyman Lee Yongwoo has already done so." He called for a swift resolution of the matter within the party.

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