Kwon Young-se faces calls to resign after 'collar-grabbing' incident

A physical altercation involving South Korean lawmaker Kwon Young-se has triggered significant backlash, with mounting calls for him to step down. Kwon, a member of the People Power Party representing Daegu's Dalseo District B, is accused of grabbing the collars of senior party leaders, including former floor leader Jeong Jin-seok and former interim leader Song Eon-seok, during a dispute over the allocation of parliamentary standing committees. The incident, described by party officials as "like violence" and unprecedented within the party, has led to Kwon's referral to the central party's ethics committee and a criminal complaint filed by an external civic group. "It is appropriate for him to decide his own future," stated Choi Soo-jin, the party's deputy floor leader, emphasizing that such behavior is unacceptable. Kwon has apologized for his "unconditional fault and wrongdoing" in a party chatroom, but criticism persists. Fellow lawmakers, including Yoo Young-ha from the same region, have urged Kwon to take responsibility, stating they cannot find reasons to defend him. Yoon Sang-hyun suggested Kwon should adopt a posture of "carrying a stick to ask for forgiveness." In response to the fallout, Kwon has relinquished his designated role as the opposition's chief negotiator for the National Assembly's Administration and Home Affairs Committee. The selection of the next chairman for the People Power Party's Daegu chapter, which Kwon was reportedly in line for, has also been postponed. The party's leadership is expected to discuss Kwon's disciplinary action and future status in an upcoming general meeting. The party's deputy floor leaders had previously issued a statement demanding Kwon's public apology and accountability through appropriate procedures.

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It is appropriate for him to decide his own future.