As the Democratic Party of Korea prepares for its 8·2 national convention to elect new leadership, competition for party support is intensifying between the candidates for party chair, Jeong Cheong-rae and Park Chan-dae (in order of symbols). Representative Jeong introduced a bill that would allow for the dismissal of prosecutors who commit serious crimes. Representative Park presented a motion for the expulsion of 45 members of the People Power Party who obstructed the arrest of former President Yoon Suk-yeol. Following the resignation of former Minister of Gender Equality and Family Kang Sun-woo, differing responses from the two candidates have further heated the competition for party support.
On the 25th, candidate Jeong proposed a bill titled 'Two Prosecutor Reform Laws' (amendments to the Prosecutors' Disciplinary Act and the Prosecutors' Office Act) that aims to allow for the dismissal of prosecutors who commit serious crimes.
According to the current Prosecutors' Disciplinary Act, prosecutors can only face five types of disciplinary actions excluding dismissal: discharge, termination, suspension, demotion, and censure. In contrast, the Prosecutors' Office Act states that 'a prosecutor shall not be dismissed except in cases where they have been convicted of impeachment or a sentence of imprisonment or heavier.'
Amid renewed controversy over political interference by the prosecution during the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, it appears that there are plans to propose additional bills alongside the previously agreed 'Four Laws for the Disbandment of the Prosecutors' Office', signaling a strong drive for prosecution reform.
Candidate Jeong also issued a stern message regarding the People Power Party's submission of a 'disciplinary motion' against Representative Kang, stating, 'If you pressure for a resignation, you could face a constitutional ruling that may strip your legislative position, so act accordingly.' This message is interpreted as reflecting the sentiments of some supporters who regret the 'Kang Sun-woo fall incident.'
Candidate Park also responded with a strategy to highlight clarity by presenting the 'Motion for the Expulsion of 45 Traitors'.
On the same day, candidate Park held a press conference at the National Assembly, specifically naming the 45 members of the People Power Party who had obstructed the arrest of former President Yoon, and stated, 'I will definitely bring down the "Yoon Suk-yeol shield" that has undermined the Constitution and turned its back on the people.'
Candidate Park had also previously committed to promoting the 'Prosecution Past Investigation Law' and declared that he would re-investigate the 'political investigations' of the previous administration's prosecution. In the wake of Representative Kang's voluntary resignation, he appears to be issuing strong messages to quell concerns among hardline party members who have questioned his commitment.
Candidate Park hinted that his reasons for demanding Representative Kang's resignation were not unrelated to 'remembering commitments' while emphasizing cooperation with the president. He appeared on CBS Radio that day and said, 'Although there was no direct communication with the presidential office in advance, there seemed to be some understanding,' and added, 'Ultimately, both Kang and I made the decision for the success of the Lee Jae-myung administration.'
The party leadership race, which was temporarily halted due to flood recovery efforts, is expected to resume this weekend. A second televised debate for candidates for party leader, previously scheduled for the 23rd but postponed, will be held on the 27th.
The primaries in Honam, the metropolitan area (Gyeonggi/Incheon), Seoul, Gangwon, and Jeju will be conducted together on August 2nd to select the party leader.