Steering Committee Adopts Resolution Urging Expulsion of Kim Taegyu for Stating 'Chun Doo-hwan and Yoon Suk-yeol's Actions Were Not an Insurrection'

Passed by the Steering Committee’s Full Session Led by the Democratic Party

On October 2, the National Assembly's Steering Committee passed a resolution urging the expulsion of Assemblyman Taegyu Kim of the People Power Party, who had stated that the actions committed by former Presidents Chun Doo-hwan and Yoon Seok-youl did not amount to an "insurrection." Lawmakers from the People Power Party protested the adoption of the resolution, citing "freedom of expression," but did not participate in the vote.

The Steering Committee held a full meeting that day, and with the initiative of the ruling party, passed the resolution urging the expulsion of Assemblyman Kim Taegyu. Sixteen committee members from the Democratic Party and the Progressive Party participated in the vote, and the resolution was adopted with 16 votes in favor.

Regarding the resolution, Byungdo Han, the Democratic Party’s floor leader and chairman of the Steering Committee, said, “Following attempts to distort and belittle the May 18 Democratization Movement, the outrageous claim that Chun Doo-hwan was not responsible for an insurrection has now emerged from the mouth of an Assembly member. If we fail to hold those involved accountable and simply let this incident fade away, we will fail to denounce those who, blinded by power, attempted reckless acts that trampled democracy.” He continued, “As chair of the committee and as an Assembly member, I will ensure to the end that those responsible are held fully accountable so that such tragic history does not repeat itself.”

At the full meeting of the Steering Committee held at the National Assembly on the 2nd, Chairman Byungdo Han is voting on the 'Resolution for the Expulsion of Assemblyman Taegyu Kim.' Through a secret ballot, the Steering Committee passed the resolution urging the expulsion of Assemblyman Kim with 16 votes in favor out of a total of 16 votes. The People Power Party did not participate in the vote. Photo by Yonhap News

On September 30, Assemblyman Kim Taegyu appeared on JTBC’s YouTube channel "Genre Only Yeouido." While commenting on the movie "Assassin(s)," the host asked, "Was what Chun Doo-hwan did an insurrection or not?" Kim replied, "I do not think it was." When the host pressed further, "Are you saying that even after a legal ruling, it was not insurrection?" Kim responded, "I think there is still room for further consideration. I do not readily agree with labeling it as an insurrection, and I believe additional historical evaluation is needed." On the question of whether Yoon Seok-youl's actions constituted insurrection, Kim also replied, "No."

However, Assemblyman Kim later expressed regret over his comments in a press release. He stated, "It is truly regrettable that political attacks are being made by taking a specific remark from the early part of the discussion out of context, rather than considering my intent as a whole," adding, "I will be more cautious in my expressions going forward."

Rival party lawmakers clashed over the resolution during the proceedings through procedural statements.

Assemblyman Kim Minjeon of the People Power Party argued, “Discussions at forums should leave room for a range of views. Submitting a resolution over remarks made in a discussion is tantamount to censorship.”

Assemblyman Yoon Yonggeun of the People Power Party also contended, “There was a slip of the tongue during the answer to a maliciously framed broadcast question. If Democratic Party lawmakers are truly free of fault in the eyes of the public, then let them submit this resolution for expulsion.”

In response, Assemblywoman Im Miae of the Democratic Party countered, “It was a one-on-one interview, not a debate as claimed. The essence must not be obscured and there should be no attempts to shield him.” She further noted, “In the past, the People Power Party imposed disciplinary action on senior party members who disparaged the May 18 or April 3 movements. The People Power Party should remove Assemblyman Kim from his chief spokesperson post and refer him to the party's ethics committee.”

Assemblyman Jeon Eunsu of the Democratic Party stated, “Assemblyman Kim asked the host whether it was a discussion, but it was not. I believe he was appearing as chief floor spokesperson.” Jeon added, “Assemblyman Kim made remarks to the effect of 'what Chun Doo-hwan did was not an insurrection' at least ten times during the session. To consider this a slip of the tongue or freedom of expression is unacceptable.”

The expulsion resolution was initiated on October 1, sponsored by Chun Jun-ho, deputy floor leader of the Democratic Party, with participation from all Democratic Party lawmakers, thereby being submitted as a party platform proposal.

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