Among the lawmakers running in the by-election for the Democratic Party of Korea floor leader, lawmakers Han Byung-do, Jin Sung-joon and Baek Hye-ryeon said former floor leader Kim Byung-kee should voluntarily leave the party. On extending the floor leader's term, all the other lawmakers except Han Byung-do expressed opposition.
At a joint debate held at JTBC in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of Jan. 8, the Democratic Party floor leader candidates were asked whether "former floor leader Kim Byung-kee should voluntarily leave the party." It was a segment where they were asked about current political issues and held up "O" and "X" signs to show their views.
On Kim's voluntary departure from the party, lawmakers Han Byung-do, Jin Sung-joon and Baek Hye-ryeon held up "O" signs, while only lawmaker Park Jeong held up an "X" sign.
Han said, "There will be much agonizing and pain, but many people are concerned about the issue that has recently erupted. The concerns of party members are also too great," adding, "Given the size of the concern, the party and the public's questions should be taken on by leaving the party, and the truth should be determined afterward."
Jin also said, "Former floor leader Kim said, 'I will not leave the party even if I am expelled,' and I think that, along with claims of unfair circumstances or innocence, reflects affection for the party," but added, "If so, I hope he will first make a decision out of a spirit of placing the party before oneself and out of love for the party."
Baek said, "Former floor leader Kim may have points he feels are unfair, but as the suspicions grow, the party is in crisis," adding, "At times like this, we need the spirit of placing the party before oneself. The party must be able to make even a harsh decision."
Only Park said, "The party leadership has already filed a complaint against the former floor leader with the Ethics Tribunal, and the tribunal is conducting an investigation," adding, "It would be good if he voluntarily left the party, but I think it is a democratic process to impose necessary punishment once a decision is made by the official body, the Ethics Tribunal."
To a question about whether to seek another term if elected floor leader, only Han held up an "O" sign. Because the floor leader elected this time must serve only the remainder of Kim's term, only four months are left. Han said, "It's not right to say, 'Please support me because I won't run after four months,' when choosing a floor leader," adding, "We should proceed according to the party constitution." He added, "If one does well, one will be judged favorably, and if not, one will not be able to run."
The other three candidates held up "X" signs. Jin said, "The first task of this floor leader is to stabilize and break through the party's crisis," adding, "According to the party constitution, serving only the remainder of the predecessor's term reflects the constitutional spirit of the party."