Han Byung-do, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, pressured the People Power Party (PPP) to clarify its position on severing ties with former President Yoon Suk-yeol after PPP lawmakers adopted a resolution opposing Yoon's political return.
"I have no idea what they mean," Han said during a party meeting at the National Assembly on Thursday. "It's hard to tell whether they're cutting ties with former President Yoon or opposing 'Yoon Again.'"
Han questioned the significance of opposing the political return of a former president already sentenced to life imprisonment.
"Former President Yoon, the ringleader of insurrection, is a serious criminal who cannot return to society either politically or legally," Han said. "I question whether the PPP is a legitimate political party when it needs to issue a resolution stating the obvious."
The floor leader characterized the PPP's resolution as a "show" ahead of local elections.
"It's merely a stopgap measure to overcome the immediate crisis of local elections," Han said. "They should demand that former President Yoon be sentenced to death as the ringleader of insurrection. We will watch their actions."
Rep. Chun Jun-ho called the resolution "cowardly and deceptive."
"There's no way their sudden talk of severing ties with Yoon is sincere," Chun said. "It's just a desperate measure after internal party conflicts became unmanageable."
Meanwhile, Han attempted to smooth over divisions between President Lee Jae-myung and hardliners within the party regarding prosecution reform proposals.
"The Democratic Party and the government will move forward as one team," Han said. "There may be trial and error, but our final destination is the same. We will complete major social reforms through collective wisdom rather than a cacophony of voices."