A growing number of Democratic Party of Korea lawmakers are leaving the informal legislative group supporting President Lee Jae-myung as the party establishes an official committee with similar objectives, raising questions about whether the original group will become a factional vehicle.
The party launched the "Committee for Investigating the Yoon Suk-yeol Administration's Fabricated Indictments and Promoting Dismissal of Charges" as an official party organization, prompting criticism that the informal group's continued operation could fuel internal factional conflicts.
Rep. Kim Ki-pyo announced his departure from the group, known as "Gongchwimo," on his Facebook page Wednesday.
"I heard that the party's official body would be established today and thought the misunderstandings about our group would be resolved as Gongchwimo would be absorbed into it," Kim wrote. "But I was very disappointed to see the group announce it would continue to operate separately."
"I cannot understand why they insist on maintaining a separate Gongchwimo when pursuing this through an official party organization would be far more effective in achieving our goals," he added. "This makes me think it really is becoming a factional gathering. Therefore, I intend to leave Gongchwimo. I believe the party's official body will do this work better."
The informal group officially launched on Jan. 23 with approximately 100 participating lawmakers. Many members are classified as non-mainstream or pro-Lee Jae-myung figures, drawing criticism that it functions as an "anti-Chung" movement—opposing Democratic Party Chair Chung Chung-rae.
Despite the party's new official committee addressing the same issues, the informal group stated it would "operate as a separate organization from the party committee," fueling speculation it could serve as an anti-leadership faction.
Rep. Boo Seung-chan also announced his departure Wednesday.
"I'm relieved that the party is finally launching a related body and pursuing a parliamentary investigation and special counsel," Boo said. "As a Gongchwimo member, I was frustrated that the party took no action despite continued evidence of politically motivated prosecutorial misconduct since the Lee Jae-myung administration began."
He added: "I hope the party will swiftly pursue a parliamentary investigation as I believe it should, and seek dismissal of charges against the President and punishment for prosecutorial misconduct through a special counsel."
Rep. Min Hyung-bae echoed the sentiment: "If party members gathered to achieve a certain goal and the party creates an official body to pursue it, is there any need for a separate group? I don't think so."
"Since the party has established the committee, it's natural for Gongchwimo to disband," Min said. "A statement came out saying the group would continue, so I am leaving."