The article discusses statements made by Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, addressing recent controversies over remarks made by his party’s lawmakers. Lee emphasized the necessity for careful speech, likening words for politicians to weapons for soldiers, implying both their power and potential danger. He expressed disappointment and apologized for his party members being referred to the party’s ethics committee but stressed the importance of maintaining appropriate conduct, especially when the ruling party, the People Power Party, is perceived as being occupied with internal conflicts rather than public welfare.
Lee urged party members to align with the increasing expectations of the public and to understand any unavoidable disciplinary actions taken by the party. He emphasized that every member represents the Democratic Party and should listen to the citizens with humility.
Previously, the Democratic Party had referred certain members, including Kim Young-bae, to the ethics committee for controversial comments, such as describing a by-election in Busan as a “waste of taxpayer money,” following the death of the district’s head affiliated with the People Power Party.