The Democratic Party on October 13 demanded public apologies and resignations from lawmakers Kim Tae-kyu, Lee Jin-sook, and Joo Jin-woo of the People Power Party, accusing them of engaging in a competition of offensive remarks.
During a National Assembly meeting on the same day, Han Byeong-do, the party's floor leader, expressed strong criticism towards the two lawmakers.
"Joo has exploited the recent Daegu building collapse for political gain, showing no interest in addressing the aftermath but only in launching political attacks," Han said. He also criticized Lee for displaying a photo of President Lee Jae-myung's parents' graves the previous day, urging both lawmakers to apologize to the public.
Cheon Jun-ho, the party's deputy floor leader, targeted Kim, stating, "Not only did he make outrageous comments about Jeon Du-hwan and Yoon Suk-yeol, but he also mocked the late President Roh Moo-hyun's death. Is this the kind of speech we expect from representatives of the people?"
Spokesperson Shin Hyun-young also noted that the offensive remarks from the People Power Party lawmakers undermine the purpose of the National Assembly's oversight sessions, stating, "Without internal party self-regulation and restraint, we can only expect a competition to attract attention with more provocative statements. We demand responsible action against inappropriate remarks."
Jeon Eun-soo, the party's floor spokesperson, commented, "Is the lack of confidence in competing on policy leading them to seek attention through offensive remarks and baseless allegations? Instead of worrying about how to catch the eye of far-right groups, they should focus on finding ways to improve the lives of the people."
The Democratic Party's first-year lawmakers group, known as 'Democratic First-Year Members,' also held an emergency press conference that day, demanding the immediate resignation of the three lawmakers, whom they referred to as the 'three miscreants' who have turned the National Assembly's oversight into a competition of offensive remarks.
During the press conference, An Tae-jun stated, "We can no longer recognize individuals who have not only violated constitutional order and democracy but have also lost the minimum ethics expected of a human being as lawmakers."
He further urged the People Power Party leadership to initiate disciplinary action against these lawmakers and to support their immediate expulsion from the National Assembly. "They must clarify their responsible stance and promptly begin disciplinary procedures in accordance with party rules and regulations," he said, adding that the Democratic First-Year Members would consider all possible actions, including filing a complaint with the National Assembly's Ethics Committee.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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