Three of the four candidates for floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea said Rep. Kim Byung-kee should voluntarily leave the party.
At a joint debate held on the 8th, three days before the Democratic Party of Korea floor leader by-election, in an OX quiz asking whether "Floor leader Kim should voluntarily leave the party," candidates Han Byung-do, Jin Sung-joon and Baek Hye-ryeon chose "O." Candidate Park Jeong was the only one who chose "X."
Candidates who supported Kim's voluntary departure expressed concern that suspicions and worries are spreading by the day.
Han said, "Public and party member concerns are too great," adding, "The truth should be determined after leaving the party."
Jin also said, "I hope a decision will be made as an expression of party-first spirit and affection for the party."
Baek said, "As suspicions are swelling by the day, the party is in crisis," adding, "The spirit of putting the party first is needed."
However, Park said the party should wait for the Ethics Tribunal's decision. Park said, "The procedure is to hear the explanation through an official body and make a judgment through the official body called the Ethics Tribunal."
On a full investigation related to the nomination fund-raising allegations involving Floor leader Kim, most said, "Rather than a full investigation, we should focus on places where issues have been raised."
Han said, "If there are places where issues have been raised, there is a need to investigate," while Jin said, "Since a full investigation is not realistically possible, we can consider investigating only the regions where allegations of money exchanges have been raised."
Baek also said, "I support investigating the regions at issue," adding, "I oppose a full investigation." Park also said, "We should be cautious about a full investigation because it could carry a divisive frame that casts suspicion on the entire party," and Baek said, "I support investigating the regions at issue, but I oppose a full investigation."
Regarding relations with the People Power Party, most said resolving the martial law situation should come first.
Han said, "There will be no compromise on settling the insurrection," adding, "We will put our heads together on livelihood issues." Baek said, "It is regrettable that People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyeok did not offer a sincere apology for the insurrection," adding, "We will draw a line against politics that delays people's livelihoods, and negotiate as thoroughly as possible."
Park also said, "We will negotiate for the success of the Republic of Korea," adding, "If the other side tries to break the grand principle of the Republic of Korea's success, there will be no dialogue."
However, Jin took a somewhat friendlier stance toward the People Power Party. Jin said, "All candidates harshly criticized Leader Jang's reform plan, and I share that assessment, but I would like to judge that it is at least a step forward."