The Democratic Party of Korea's "Lawmakers' Group for Dismissal of Charges Against President Lee Jae-myung and Promotion of Parliamentary Investigation" (Gongchwimo) announced on the 26th that it will minimize independent activities and actively participate in the party's official special committee work, amid controversy over the group being labeled a factional gathering.
Gongchwimo announced this policy direction following a meeting at a restaurant in Yeouido, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. Rep. Lee Geon-tae, secretary of the group, said, "As stated at its founding, Gongchwimo will be maintained until the charges against President Lee are dismissed," adding, "However, we will minimize independent activities and fully support the party's special committee and parliamentary investigation."
The Democratic Party established the "Special Committee for Promoting Parliamentary Investigation into Fabricated Indictments Under the Yoon Suk-yeol Dictatorship and Dismissal of Charges" as an official party body the previous day. While this was interpreted as an effective absorption of Gongchwimo, the group's decision to continue its existence suggests both bodies will operate simultaneously.
Rep. Park Sung-joon, standing representative of Gongchwimo, explained, "Among the steering committee members, there were opinions that the group should be dissolved since the party special committee has been formed, but the majority view was that maintaining the group in line with its purpose to achieve dismissal of charges is appropriate." He added, "If the party body becomes active, Gongchwimo will remain below the surface, but if the party body's activities stall, Gongchwimo will act as a driving force."
Rep. Park met with Floor Leader Han Byung-do, who chairs the special committee, at the National Assembly for 45 minutes and said, "If a promotion committee is formed and lawmakers from Gongchwimo join it, the group's official activities will inevitably go below the surface." Responding to ongoing concerns about factionalism, he countered, "The fabricated indictment was an attempt to eliminate political opponents under the Yoon Suk-yeol regime, and its target was President Lee Jae-myung. With such a clear objective, how can this be called a factional gathering?"
Gongchwimo also stated that since the group was formed based on voluntary participation, it will respect members' decisions to withdraw. Reps. Boo Seung-chan, Kim Ki-pyo, and Min Hyung-bae announced their withdrawal the previous day, and Rep. Yoon Kun-young has also indicated plans to leave.