Park Jiewon: "Does Kim Eojun Want Insurrection Forces in Power?" ... Kim Eojun: "The Democratic Party Needs to Do Better"

Pointed Exchange Amid Laughter
Differences Over Parliamentary Probe Into Chief Justice Jo Hee-dae

A curious scene unfolded on Thursday as Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Park Jiwon and broadcaster Kim Eo-jun exchanged pointed remarks amid laughter. The two discussed a parliamentary investigation into Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae and the question of impeachment, revealing differing views on how to respond to the political situation.

Park appeared on Kim’s YouTube program “Kim Eo-jun’s Humble Is Hard News Factory” that day to discuss the political situation, including the parliamentary investigation into Chief Justice Cho. When Kim remarked with a smile, “You look more somber than at any other time since I started inviting you on the show, Assemblyman Park,” Park replied, “The Factory Manager [Kim] keeps making us look gloomy these days, doesn’t he?”

Kim responded, “That’s because there are actually gloomy things happening.”

Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Park Jiwon is being interviewed by The Asia Business Daily at the National Assembly. April 30, 2026. Photo by Kim Hyunmin.

Park replied, “Even if things are difficult, what kind of world does the Factory Manager want?” and asked, “One in which the forces behind the insurrection take power?”

Kim answered, “A bright world. That’s what I want.”

Park countered, “A bright world means the Democratic Party,” to which Kim replied, “The Democratic Party needs to do a good job.” When Park said, “We’ll do our best; we’re doing well now,” Kim answered, “No.” He then ended the program with a laugh, saying, “I hope you do a good job.”

Kim’s program has continued to offer sharp criticism of President Lee Jae-myung’s prosecution reform and the direction of reform.

That day’s discussion focused on issues related to Chief Justice Cho, including his impeachment and the appeal trial in the case involving Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon. Park and Kim also revealed differing views on the Democratic Party’s decision to pursue a parliamentary investigation instead of impeaching Chief Justice Cho.

Park said, “There are plenty of grounds for impeachment. Personally, I called for it.” He added, “The Democratic Party decided to take the intermediate step of a parliamentary investigation so it could persuade centrist voters and the public, and give people time to understand what Chief Justice Cho did and how he did it, and why that constitutes grounds for impeachment.” Kim, in response, raised concerns, saying, “But overall, the party is taking a little too long to make decisions.”

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