Kim Byeong-gi: "There is no leniency for even a single day… We will block any attempts for Emperor-level detention or bail"

The Democratic Party of Korea reaffirmed its firm stance on former President Yoon Seok-yeol, who was re-arrested on December 3 for the martial law incident, stating "prison while alive, prison even in death." The party announced it would take a hardline approach, asserting that no privileges such as leniency, pardon, or restoration of rights would be granted to a leader of insurrection.

Acting party leader Kim Byeong-gi emphasized during a Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly that "Yoon Seok-yeol and the insurrectionist forces are those who destroyed the democracy protected by the blood and tears of the people," adding that “the cost of the insurrection and the punishment for the crimes these individuals have committed must be paid in full without any reduction for even a single day.”

He continued, stating, "We must ensure that such unconstitutional attempts do not happen again" and added, "The Democratic Party will absolutely not allow any leniency whatsoever, including emperor-level detention, bail, pardon, restoration of rights, or reduction of sentence for former President Yoon."

"Fundraising for personal expenses is shameless… What sympathy can a person with assets declared at 7.5 billion won seek?"

Acting party leader Kim continued his strong criticism regarding former President Yoon's responses after his arrest. He remarked, "Former President Yoon has refused to participate in trials and special investigations, while his legal team is citing heat, illness, and exercise time to raise issues about the treatment in correctional facilities," criticizing it as "the very definition of shamelessness."

In particular, regarding the legal team’s revelation of a fundraising account for personal expenses, he asked, "What kind of shame does a person with reported assets of 7.5 billion won have in seeking sympathy?" and dismissed it as “a despicable attempt to solicit public sympathy.” It is reported that the account raised the maximum allowable amount of 4 million won within just one day.

"For the personnel hearing: We will respond firmly to reckless attacks… Ability is the standard"

Regarding the personnel hearing for the first cabinet of the Lee Jae-myung government, which began that day, Acting leader Kim stated, "We will firmly respond to the outdated slanderous attacks and political assaults aimed at hindering state affairs."

He noted, "The Democratic Party's standards for personnel verification are based on practicality, capability, and achievements," clarifying that a candidate's political inclination or previous profession is not the criteria for verification. He emphasized the core requirement is the practical capability to overcome economic, livelihood, and trade crises.

He also urged, "Candidates should provide honest answers to dispel any doubts and adequately explain their policy capabilities and willingness to implement them." Additionally, he stated, "The Democratic Party will support the swift formation of the cabinet to stabilize the livelihoods of the people and put state affairs back on track."

On the declaration of the full return of medical students: "We will respond to the trust of the people… We will do our best in reaching a social consensus"

Meanwhile, Acting leader Kim also commented on the declaration of all medical students returning, stating, "The students' determination should be understood as a commitment to trust in the National Assembly and the government," and added, "The Democratic Party will strengthen our efforts for social dialogue and coordination aimed at normalizing healthcare through party-government consultations."

He emphasized, "We will do our utmost to ensure that results that can reassure the public come forth as quickly as possible."

Image source: Kim Byeong-gi, Acting Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea and Floor Leader / News1, Former President Yoon Seok-yeol / News1, News1