Minseok Kim Criticizes Kim Yongmin Over Public Opposition to Serious Crime Investigation Agency Chief: "How Are We Different from the Opposition?"

"Ruling Party Lawmakers Should Raise Issues Internally"

On September 22, Kim Minseok, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, addressed lawmakers such as Assemblyman Kim Yongmin, who publicly opposed the nomination of Kim Jiyong as the first head of the Major Crime Investigation Agency (MCIA), stating, "If dissenting opinions are immediately made public, how is that any different from the opposition?" He added, "It would be better to follow internal procedures first."

His remarks are interpreted as being directed not only at Assemblyman Kim, but also at others who have recently openly criticized the appointment of the MCIA chief, including Gyeonggi Province Governor Choo Mi-ae and Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Sungyun.

Appearing on Democratic Party TV that day, Kim responded to a viewer's comment suggesting that Kim should be replaced on the National Assembly Legislation and Judiciary Committee by saying, "It seems to be a point about how issues should be raised within the ruling party regarding presidential appointments," and made these statements.

Kim Minseok, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea. Photo by Yonhap News

He went on, "Members at least at the level of Assemblyman within the ruling party should voice their opinions on appointments through means within the party." He continued, "The path to reach the president could be through the Senior Presidential Secretary for Political Affairs, the parliamentary leadership, the party, or standing committees."

Kim also stated, "When pointing out issues with appointments, for instance, if someone named A is said to have a particular problem, there are often cases where the verification process reveals that these are actually inaccurate rumors or hearsay. I hope only accurate issues are pointed out," he added.

He continued, "Ultimately, after all these procedures and debates, the appointing authority ends up making the final decision. For example, when the judgment is split about 5 to 5 or 6 to 4, the final decision reflects the hardships of the appointment authority after considering everything, so such a decision should be respected."

He emphasized, "In cases where things are excessively overstepped, I believe the party should make remarks and establish its own principles and discipline."

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