On the 14th, Kim Sang-wook, a member of the People Power Party, resigned from his position as chairman of the Ulsan city party.
Kim noted at a press conference held at the National Assembly that, “I was elected as party chairman through the practical nomination of six local party organizations in Ulsan, but I believe it is democratic to resign since I can no longer maintain that nomination.”
Kim stated, “The withdrawal of the nomination is due to my active participation in lifting the state of emergency and supporting the impeachment of the president,” and added, “I do not regret being at the forefront.” He emphasized that “dismantling a state of emergency that undermines constitutional order and impeaching a president who attempts to disrupt constitutional order is a minimal obligation and qualification that one must act on as a member of the National Assembly, regardless of the party.”
Kim further stated, “If I must pay a price for pursuing what is right, I will gladly accept it.”
He said, “I did not follow the party line on the impeachment of the president,” and “I tried to be faithful to the historical mission assigned to conservatives according to the country, the people, democracy, righteousness, and common sense, and I chose the path of honorable disobedience.” He further emphasized that “honorable disobedience is indeed true loyalty to the country and the people.”
The Ulsan city party operational committee was scheduled to hold a meeting on the 15th to demand the replacement of the city party chairman. As pressure for voluntary resignation intensified, citing support for the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol, his resignation from the position was interpreted as a result.
Earlier, Kim continued actions that differed from the party line, such as voting in favor of the ‘Double Special Prosecutor Act (Insurrection Special Prosecutor Act and Kim Keon-hee Special Prosecutor Act),’ causing friction with party leadership and other members. After the re-vote on the Double Special Prosecutor Act on the 8th of last month, Kweon Seong-dong, the floor leader of the People Power Party, publicly advised him to leave the party.
Right after the press conference that day, Kim met with reporters and stated that he does not “regret” supporting the impeachment of President Yoon, saying, “I remember many people who saved the country with ‘honorable disobedience’ by not following unjust and erroneous commands.” He emphasized that “the courage of honorable disobedience should serve as an example to overcome future crises of democracy that may arise again and ensure that righteousness is protected.”
He added, “Although I may have limited ability, I will continue to strive to protect conservative values while remaining in the People Power Party” and drew the line on speculation about leaving the party.