Kim Min-seok slams rival's 'false' claims over martial law vote absence

Kim Min-seok, a former Prime Minister, is seeking the leadership of South Korea's Democratic Party and has become embroiled in a public dispute with fellow party member Lee Sung-yoon. The conflict arose after Lee questioned Kim's absence from a parliamentary vote to lift martial law on December 3rd, suggesting Kim was asleep after taking cold medicine.

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I don't know why you asked such a question.

Kim vehemently refuted Lee's claims, stating in a radio interview that Lee's remarks constituted "defamation based on false information." He expressed concern over such political tactics, particularly coming from Lee, whom Kim described as a former prosecutor. "I don't know why you asked such a question," Kim stated, emphasizing that he was present in the National Assembly during the vote and remained in the plenary session afterward.

Lee's comments were made in the context of criticizing Kim's recent announcement of his candidacy for the party leadership. Lee characterized Kim's remarks about a previous party leader as "self-politics" that caused confusion in party-government cooperation. The 'cold medicine' remark was part of Lee's broader critique of Kim's perceived attempts to shift blame.

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Defamation based on false information.

Within the Democratic Party, tensions are reportedly escalating as potential leadership candidates engage in factional struggles. Park Beom-kye, a lawmaker who publicly supports Kim, expressed dismay at Lee's 'cold medicine' comment, questioning its appropriateness and suggesting it was unbecoming of a politician. Park also alluded to other party members, implying their actions were also driven by personal political ambitions related to upcoming Supreme Council elections.

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People, oh my. How are you going to face each other later? You shouldn't go this far. Is that their character?