The National Assembly's Operating Committee has passed a resolution calling for the expulsion of Kim Tae-kyu, a lawmaker from the People Power Party, who stated that the actions of former Presidents Yoon Suk Yeol and Chun Doo-hwan do not constitute insurrection.
During a full committee meeting on October 2, the resolution was put to a vote, resulting in unanimous approval with all 16 votes in favor. The People Power Party boycotted the vote in protest of the Democratic Party's unilateral handling of the proceedings.
According to National Assembly law, resolutions typically require a 20-day deliberation period before a vote can take place. However, Han Byeong-do, the Democratic Party's floor leader and chair of the committee, bypassed this period to present the resolution.
Han explained the rationale for the resolution, stating, "After attempts to distort and belittle the May 18 incident, we have now heard a lawmaker from the National Assembly claim that Chun Doo-hwan's actions were not insurrection. If we do not hold accountable those who have trampled on democracy, we cannot condemn those who attempted to undermine it."
Another Democratic Party lawmaker, Jeon Yong-ki, added, "As the chief spokesperson for the People Power Party, Kim is someone who articulates the party's official stance. If he has made a verbal misstep, he must be held accountable."
Following the resolution's presentation, the People Power Party stated, "We cannot restrict the freedom of expression of individual citizens and lawmakers, who are constitutional entities," and chose not to participate in the vote.
Democratic Party lawmakers from Jeollanam-do and Gwangju held a press conference that day to condemn Kim, urging him to resign. They stated, "If one denies past and present insurrections, what basis do we have to uphold the Constitution and democracy?"
Meanwhile, Kim issued a statement expressing regret for providing grounds for misunderstanding, saying, "I will be more cautious in my expressions in the future."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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