Democratic Party of Korea Chairman Chung Chung-rae dismissed the People Power Party's resolution to distance itself from former President Yoon Suk-yeol as "a flawed apology," demanding they "apologize properly following the five Ws and one H."
"I hope they apologize again. The public is waiting for that," Chung said at a Supreme Council meeting held in Ganghwa-gun, Incheon on the 11th.
"It seems the People Power Party is trying to do something—whether it's severing ties or distancing from Yoon," he said. "Now that local elections are approaching, perhaps they felt uncomfortable. Maybe they thought they should apologize for martial law and cut ties with 'Yoon Again.'"
Chung criticized the manner of the apology, noting that PPP Chairman Chang Dong-hyuk's previous statements "still stand." After former President Yoon received a life sentence in his first trial last month on insurrection charges, Chang defended him by saying "martial law does not necessarily constitute insurrection."
"The apology wasn't even delivered personally—it was announced through Floor Leader Song Eon-seok. Who would believe that?" Chung said. "This is a case of 'trying to remove a lump but adding another one instead.'"
"There are principles to an apology. You must state what you did wrong and pledge how you will prevent such mistakes in the future," he added.
Regarding prosecution reform legislation facing internal party disagreements, Chung emphasized that "President Lee Jae-myung's commitment to reform remains unchanged and consistently strong."
"The party will firmly support the president's consistent philosophy," he said.
However, Chung left room for discussion on calls from hardliners within the party to revise the prosecution reform bills. "It is time for internal debate to address any shortcomings, deficiencies, or potentially problematic provisions," he said.