"Lee, Anxiously Relying on Insurrectionary Forces?" Controversy Over Choo's Remarks... Kim Minseok Questions, "Is This the Statement of a Democratic Party Politician?"

Governor Choo Mi-ae's Direct Criticism over Prosecutorial Reform

Kim Minseok: "Governor Choo Needs to Personally Explain Her Remarks"

Even Within the Opposition: "Is There Any Party That Attacks Its Own President Like This?"

Gyeonggi Province Governor Chu Mi-ae has publicly criticized President Lee Jae-myung over issues such as prosecutorial reform. Many within the Democratic Party of Korea are voicing their disapproval, stating that Governor Chu needs to clarify her remarks.

On September 14, Kim Minseok, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, said on the Democratic Party TV broadcast, "If we did a blind test and people heard those remarks, what would they think?" He continued, "If people were told these were the words of a responsible politician or governor from the Democratic Party, they would probably be puzzled and wonder, 'Is this right?'" Kim added, "I think Governor Chu herself needs to explain why she made those comments."

Previously, on September 12, at the 2026 Gyeonggi Province Democratization Movement Victims Memorial Ceremony held at Moran Park in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province, Governor Chu said, "People came together to overcome the insurrection and establish electoral democracy, restoring the constitutional order that forces of insurrection almost stole away." She continued, "The President should be punishing these forces, so why is he instead relying on them and acting so apprehensively? Why is he treating the spirits of democratization as if they're from the past?"

Gyeonggi Province Governor Chu Mi-ae is delivering a greeting at the 'Abundant Chuseok Love Sharing Ceremony' held at Gwanggyo Comprehensive Social Welfare Center in Yeongtong District, Suwon City, Gyeonggi Province on the 11th. September 11, 2026. Photo by The Gyeonggi Joint Photo Press Corps, Yonhap News Agency

During the same broadcast, Kim raised Governor Chu's remarks while questioning philosopher Kim Yong-ok. Kim said, "Dr. Kim, you mentioned that the President is only in his first year and that now is the time to unite, not criticize. In some ways, it reminds me of the early stabilization period of President Roh Moo-hyun's term, when both internal and external forces joined together in an attempt to impeach him. Isn't the current situation similar to a precursor to such times?" He added, "If outsiders did this, I could understand, but sometimes it's baffling when this comes from within." This comment alluded to Governor Chu's previous stance on impeaching President Roh Moo-hyun.

Criticism of Governor Chu's remarks also emerged within the party.

Park Sungjoon, chief spokesperson for the Democratic Party of Korea, said on CBS Radio's 'Park Seongtae’s News Show,' "I think an explanation is needed," and added, "Governor Chu should clearly explain why these remarks were made in this context."

Assemblyman Song Young-gil of the Democratic Party also said on BBS Radio's 'Jung Hye-seung's Morning Journal,' "When the ruling party carries out reforms, it should be done calmly and systematically," and "We are not the opposition now; we must act responsibly." Song added that Governor Chu "should be more devoted to her duties as Gyeonggi Province Governor."

Kim Minseok, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is reading a document at the Democratic Party Gangwon Provincial Party’s highest council meeting held on the 14th in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Assemblyman Park Beom-gye of the Democratic Party expressed his views on social media, stating, "While we can't help the rain that pours in from the outside, it's embarrassing to see us, who should be holding the umbrella together, instead putting it away and leaving the president alone in the rain." He added, "Criticism is possible. However, we shouldn't bruise anyone so severely with it."

Assemblyman Kim Eui-gyeom, who serves as the Democratic Party's secretary on the National Assembly Legislation and Judiciary Committee, which is in charge of prosecutorial reform, said on KBS Radio's 'In-depth News' on September 14, "I can guess the reasons behind her statements, but the situation is difficult right now." He continued, "For our party and supporters, patience is more important than urging or pressing for action." Kim added, "In fact, the only person who can resolve all these issues is President Lee. We need to give the President enough time and room to stabilize his administration and put things in order."

Concerns have also been raised within political circles.

Former Justice Party lawmaker Park Won-seok said on CBS Radio, "Politicians who are regional leaders and party members of the ruling party can certainly express differing opinions on policies, but I have never seen such a case where a governor criticizes the President’s exclusive appointment authority by saying he is relying on forces of insurrection and acting so apprehensively. This kind of insubordination is unprecedented." Park added, "This is an issue of party discipline, and the leadership must step forward to issue a public warning."

Former People Power Party spokesperson Yoon Hee-seok also questioned, "Is there any other party that attacks its own president in this way?"

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