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🇰🇷 South Korea /Elections & Politics

Ruling Party Lawmakers' Controversial Remarks Spark Internal Crisis

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Two lawmakers from South Korea's ruling People Power Party are facing criticism for controversial remarks and actions.
  • One lawmaker allegedly grabbed the party leader's neck in protest over committee assignments, while another made a flippant remark about a violent crime.
  • The party's leadership is calling for disciplinary action, including potential resignations, as internal conflict escalates.

Internal strife within South Korea's ruling People Power Party has intensified following controversial actions by two junior lawmakers. Kwon Young-jin allegedly grabbed floor leader Chung Jin-suk by the neck in protest against committee assignments. This incident was followed by remarks from Rep. Seo Bum-soo, who reportedly made light of the "Busan kickback assault" case, a violent crime that has drawn significant public attention.

There is a need for appropriate measures at the party level.

— Jang Dong-hyukResponding to Rep. Seo Bum-soo's controversial remarks.

These incidents have drawn sharp criticism from within the party, with leadership figures calling for disciplinary measures. Party spokesperson Park Min-young stated, "We may not need to look far for the reasons behind the opposition party's declining approval ratings." Another spokesperson, Son Su-jo, suggested, "I hope they quietly step down from their parliamentary seats." Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk acknowledged the need for "appropriate measures" regarding Seo's remarks.

Both Kwon and Seo are members of the junior faction "Alternatives and Future," which has been advocating for party reform and demanding Jang's resignation. However, their recent controversies have undermined the faction's momentum. Kwon expressed his intention to leave the group, stating, "I will take time for reflection and self-restraint," and pleaded, "Please keep the flame of hope for the party's change and innovation alive."

We may not need to look far for the reasons behind the opposition party's declining approval ratings.

— Park Min-youngCommenting on the impact of the controversies.

Adding to the internal turmoil, Rep. Cho Kyeung-tae, whose disciplinary action was initiated for campaigning against the People Power Party's nominee for deputy speaker, held a press conference demanding the resignation of ethics committee chairman Yoon Min-woo and the dissolution of the committee. Cho alleged that Yoon shared disciplinary information with outsiders, calling the committee "highly unethical."

I hope they quietly step down from their parliamentary seats.

— Son Su-joSuggesting resignation for the lawmakers involved.

The party's Central Ethics Committee is scheduled to meet on July 7 to discuss disciplinary actions against Cho, Kwon, and others. Some party members are reportedly planning to submit a disciplinary request against Seo as well, indicating a deepening internal conflict.

I will take time for reflection and self-restraint. Please keep the flame of hope for the party's change and innovation alive.

— Kwon Young-jinAnnouncing his intention to leave the junior faction.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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