South Korean opposition party seeks lawmaker's expulsion over historical remarks

South Korea's Democratic Party has submitted a disciplinary motion against Lee Jin-suk, a lawmaker from the ruling People Power Party, over her controversial remarks regarding the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement. The motion, submitted to the National Assembly Secretariat on Thursday, calls for Lee's expulsion.

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This is a matter that must be disciplined.

Democratic Party floor leader Lee Ju-hee and Ahn Do-geol, chairman of the party's integrated special city chapter, stated that Lee Jin-suk's conduct within the National Assembly was "unacceptable for a constitutional body and a political party representing the people's will." They emphasized that "this is a matter that must be disciplined."

Ahn added that Lee's actions represent a "grave provocation" that fundamentally challenges the spirit of the constitution and the May 18 movement, constituting a "secondary victimization" of the victims and their families. The party plans to actively pursue legislation for disciplinary action, as promised by party leader Kim Min-seok.

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It is a grave provocation that fundamentally challenges the spirit of the constitution and the May 18 spirit, and it is secondary victimization of those who sacrificed and their bereaved families.

Lee Jin-suk sparked controversy after co-hosting a forum titled "Re-examining the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement" with a right-wing civic group on May 14. She argued that prohibiting discussion on enshrining the May 18 spirit in the constitution is illogical. Democratic Party leader Kim Min-seok had previously called Lee's presence in the National Assembly "shameful."

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The reason for wanting to put the spirit of the May 18 democratization movement into the constitution, but not even being allowed to have a discussion, is absurd.