Choi and Sim Suggest Double Impeachment Card… Focus on Protests Outside the National Assembly
Criticism toward the Assembly Leadership: “Too Aggressive”
“Democratic Party Needs to Show Itself as an Alternative Force”
“The Democratic Party, which is the majority party in the assembly, has no strategy other than impeachment.” This statement was made by a senior Democratic Party lawmaker, not from the People Power Party. There’s discontent brewing within the party toward the Democratic Party’s assembly leadership, which is currently directing its legislators under an emergency response system immediately following the release of President Yoon Suk-yeol. They have mentioned potential impeachment proceedings against acting President Choi Sang-mok, who is both the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Strategy and Finance, as well as Prosecutor General Sim Woo-jung, to exert pressure. Externally, daily rallies are being organized, portraying an aggressive stance that could result in negative public opinion. There are concerns about the need for more nuanced political judgment, particularly since an early presidential election could be called depending on the outcome of the Constitutional Court’s impeachment trial ruling on President Yoon.
On the 12th, according to political sources, the Democratic Party assembly leadership is continuing discussions on whether to proceed with impeaching Prosecutor General Sim. One member of the assembly leadership mentioned in a call with the Herald Business that “even at the plenary session scheduled for tomorrow (13th), an impeachment motion could be introduced,” adding that “even if Sim is not impeached, there’s an increasing reason for him to resign.” He further criticized the changing standards of the prosecution regarding the computation of detention period, suggesting it was similar to intentionally allowing President Yoon to escape, emphasizing the need to increase pressure. The possibility of impeaching acting President Choi for not appointing Moon Heo-hyuk, the Constitutional Court judge nominee recommended by the National Assembly, is also being considered. This insider added, “There are more than enough reasons to impeach acting President Choi” and accused him of violating the constitution and neglecting immediate actions that should have been taken.
Within the party, there’s criticism about the repeated public mentions of pursuing impeachment. Senior lawmakers, especially those with three or more terms, are urging the assembly leadership to adopt a more cautious approach. One senior lawmaker stated in a call, “The public does not favor constant talk of impeachment,” and accused the People Power Party of creating a narrative claiming that the opposition’s continuous impeachment talks prompted President Yoon to declare martial law. He advised against getting caught in such a frame, suggesting that while the party should criticize unconstitutional and illegal acts strongly, they should also articulate ways to handle pressing and severe situations wisely. Another senior lawmaker emphasized that the Democratic Party should demonstrate its role as the majority party and focus on achievable goals within the assembly aside from pursuing impeachments.
There is also skepticism about focusing all efforts on outdoor protests. Questions have been raised about the effectiveness of rallies demanding a swift approval of impeachment by the Constitutional Court. The dissatisfaction from party staff and aides, who feel the fatigue from being mobilized for protests, is notable. One Democratic Party official mentioned, “The Democratic Party and other opposition parties have been organizing rallies outside every weekend,” and with President Yoon’s release, daily rallies during weekdays have started as well, but it’s uncertain if they have a greater impact than before. An aide from a Democratic Party lawmaker’s office commented that, “There’s been a continuous mobilization order, where we have to report the number of participants in each rally, and fewer attendees result in pressure.” They further noted, “In such an emergency situation, the National Assembly should take charge and solve pressing livelihood issues to show itself as an alternative force,” pointing out that it’s a time where even running some standing committees to address current issues would be insufficient.
– Reporter Yang Geun-hyuk