PPP Criticizes Ruling Party's Push to Expel Lee Jinsook: "Political Offensive... Fairness Needed on Other Issues"

On August 25, the People Power Party criticized the Democratic Party of Korea for passing a resolution to expel Assemblywoman Lee Jinsook from the National Assembly's Steering Committee. The PPP called it "a political offensive," accusing the Democratic Party of attempting "to cover up numerous mistakes of the government and divert the public's attention elsewhere."

Yonhap News Agency

Park Chungkwon, chief spokesperson for the People Power Party, told reporters that afternoon, "If we're going to discuss the ethics and duties of a lawmaker, then we should discuss all cases referred by both parties in a fair manner." He noted the PPP had boycotted the committee meeting that day in response to signs the expulsion resolution would pass.

Previously, on the 13th, Lee Jinsook hosted a forum on the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement together with right-wing groups, despite opposition and calls to stop both inside and outside her party. In response, parties in the ruling bloc pushed through an expulsion motion against her in the Steering Committee. Through social media, Lee denounced the decision, questioning, "Is this how the sanctification of May 18 is completed?"

Chief spokesperson Park remarked, "This was a forum led by a lawmaker as a member of the legislative branch, and the lawmaker (Lee Jinsook) did not agree with everything discussed at the seminar," adding, "Such political attacks seem intended to cover up failures like the collapse of the real estate and stock markets, as well as the breakdown of the South Korea-U.S. alliance."

Park further said, "Our party boycotted the Steering Committee meeting as a form of protest against the Democratic Party's unilateral push to expel Lee Jinsook," and added, "If future disciplinary measures are pursued merely for political reasons, our party will strongly oppose and protest them."

Meanwhile, Park addressed criticism, both internal and external, of PPP leader Jang Donghyuk's plan to have all Party Chapter Steering Committee chairs resign and be re-elected through a party member vote. Park stated, "(The party leader) is currently reviewing the timing and other factors," and emphasized, "The party's commitment to change and organizational reform remains steadfast."

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