Jung Chun-sang, Secretary General of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, urged the Democratic Party on September 30 to revoke its decision to expel Yoo Seung-young, the former chair of the Pyeongtaek City Council, and emphasized the need for a public apology to the progressive supporters and the public.
At a press conference held at the National Assembly, Jung stated, "The Democratic Party must stop the threats that they will punish anyone who helps Cho Kuk (former leader of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party)."
Jung criticized the Democratic Party for simultaneously advocating solidarity and unity with the Cho Kuk Innovation Party while exerting political pressure on its members, stating, "It has become clear that the Democratic Party is saying, 'We will discipline anyone who helps Cho Kuk or the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, regardless of their affiliation.'"
Yoo left the Democratic Party in May and subsequently joined the Cho Kuk Innovation Party. However, the Democratic Party's ethics committee in Gyeonggi Province decided to expel him on August 10, reportedly due to his demand for the withdrawal of the nomination of Kim Yong-nam, the Democratic candidate for the Pyeongtaek constituency in the June 3 by-election.
Jung described this action as "tyranny wielded by a major party against a minor party," asserting that "the expulsion of someone without party affiliation is a clear act of political retaliation" and that it serves as a warning to all supporters of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party and citizens within the progressive camp.
He added, "The purpose of this decision is all too clear. It sends the message that 'if you help Cho Kuk, we will pursue you even after you leave the party.'" He questioned why a member of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party wearing campaign attire for Cho Kuk would be a reason for expulsion from the Democratic Party.
Concerns have also been raised about the legality of such actions. Jung pointed out that according to party law, a member's status is terminated immediately upon the submission of a resignation letter, making disciplinary action impossible. He stated, "Engaging in political activities for a candidate from a different party is a political choice protected by the constitution."
Additionally, he criticized the Democratic Party for using the personal information of former members to conduct disciplinary proceedings and for sending expulsion notices via mail using their address information, suggesting potential violations of privacy laws. He questioned whether the Democratic Party's true intention is to foster unity and solidarity or to suppress supporters of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party.
After the press conference, when asked about the possibility of collaboration and unity with the Democratic Party, Jung expressed support for integration and unity for the success of a government of the people's sovereignty but added, "I hope the Democratic Party engages in broad-minded politics on a national level."
Regarding the Democratic Party's announcement of its withdrawal from a joint meeting with the three opposition parties, he remarked, "Meetings for the sake of taking photos lack sincerity," emphasizing that concrete plans and methods must be guaranteed.
At a press conference held at the National Assembly, Jung stated, "The Democratic Party must stop the threats that they will punish anyone who helps Cho Kuk (former leader of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party)."
Jung criticized the Democratic Party for simultaneously advocating solidarity and unity with the Cho Kuk Innovation Party while exerting political pressure on its members, stating, "It has become clear that the Democratic Party is saying, 'We will discipline anyone who helps Cho Kuk or the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, regardless of their affiliation.'"
Yoo left the Democratic Party in May and subsequently joined the Cho Kuk Innovation Party. However, the Democratic Party's ethics committee in Gyeonggi Province decided to expel him on August 10, reportedly due to his demand for the withdrawal of the nomination of Kim Yong-nam, the Democratic candidate for the Pyeongtaek constituency in the June 3 by-election.
Jung described this action as "tyranny wielded by a major party against a minor party," asserting that "the expulsion of someone without party affiliation is a clear act of political retaliation" and that it serves as a warning to all supporters of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party and citizens within the progressive camp.
He added, "The purpose of this decision is all too clear. It sends the message that 'if you help Cho Kuk, we will pursue you even after you leave the party.'" He questioned why a member of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party wearing campaign attire for Cho Kuk would be a reason for expulsion from the Democratic Party.
Concerns have also been raised about the legality of such actions. Jung pointed out that according to party law, a member's status is terminated immediately upon the submission of a resignation letter, making disciplinary action impossible. He stated, "Engaging in political activities for a candidate from a different party is a political choice protected by the constitution."
Additionally, he criticized the Democratic Party for using the personal information of former members to conduct disciplinary proceedings and for sending expulsion notices via mail using their address information, suggesting potential violations of privacy laws. He questioned whether the Democratic Party's true intention is to foster unity and solidarity or to suppress supporters of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party.
After the press conference, when asked about the possibility of collaboration and unity with the Democratic Party, Jung expressed support for integration and unity for the success of a government of the people's sovereignty but added, "I hope the Democratic Party engages in broad-minded politics on a national level."
Regarding the Democratic Party's announcement of its withdrawal from a joint meeting with the three opposition parties, he remarked, "Meetings for the sake of taking photos lack sincerity," emphasizing that concrete plans and methods must be guaranteed.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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