Yoo Si-min, a prominent voice in the progressive camp, issued a warning, stating, “The Democratic Party is in great danger right now.” According to Yoo, complacency and lack of action are prevalent because the president and the ruling party have high approval ratings.
On December 13th, Yoo attended an event for supporters of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation as a panelist. He said, “I don’t know what the Democratic Party has been doing for the past few months. Complacency spreads because of the high approval ratings,” adding, “They have the authority with a majority in the National Assembly, yet they only talk. They need to introduce legislation for constitutional amendments or a specialized judicial panel for rebellion cases, actions which are within their scope.”
Yoo emphasized, “Don’t just debate endlessly,” questioning, “Why do they bother discussing whether their views align with the president’s office? The Democratic Party should judge for themselves and do what is necessary for the country.”
He criticized the Democratic Party’s slowing down after meeting opposition from various sectors over key bills, such as the establishment of a specialized judicial panel for rebellion cases, indicating that Yoo’s remarks received applause from the audience.
Yoo commented on President Lee Jae-myung’s stance, saying, “He’s not the type to say, ‘Why is the party doing that on its own?’ If there’s a difference from his opinion, he would be the kind who says, ‘If the lawmakers have gathered the party members’ thoughts, then I must accept it.'”
Reflecting the opinions of strong supporters, Yoo questioned why political aides speak so much, urging them to take action instead. In October, Presidential Chief of Staff Woo Sang-ho revealed discomfort between the ruling party and the presidential office during a media interview, saying, “There are times when there’s a difference in pace or temperature.”
Yoo also focused significantly on the so-called “judicial reform.” He stated, “I want to know what was discussed at the Supreme Court on December 3rd last year during martial law. It seems clear to me,” arguing that they were trying to carry out (the illegal martial law). He claimed that these judges lack loyalty to the constitutional democracy.
Furthermore, he mentioned, “Do not be surprised even if Judge Jee Gwi-yeon, presiding over former President Yoon Suk-yeol’s rebellion charges, delivers a verdict of not guilty or dismisses the case,” adding, “Although I expect a guilty verdict, it will not be the end even if a different outcome arises. It’s a new beginning.”