Ruling Democratic Party of Korea: "Rhyu Si-min's Criticism of the Government Has Gone Too Far"

[Financial News] The Democratic Party of Korea described the recent situation, in which writer Rhyu Si-min has been unleashing sharp criticism of the Lee Jae Myung administration, as "too much of a good thing." The party believes that such criticism is shaking the entire progressive camp, including the Democratic Party of Korea, rather than helping the government.
Kwon Chil-seung, the Democratic Party of Korea's policy committee chair, and chief spokesperson Park Seong-jun held a press briefing at the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea on the 27th to discuss public sentiment during the Chuseok holiday. They exchanged questions and answers on major recent political issues, grassroots sentiment during the holiday, and follow-up measures.
Responding to Rhyu Si-min's recent criticism of prosecution reform, in which he said that "the Lee Jae Myung administration deceived the public," Kwon said, "It sometimes goes too far," adding, "These excessive remarks shake the entire camp too much. They are a case of too much being as bad as too little."
He added, "Such blunt criticism from Rhyu can sometimes serve as medicine, but when it goes too far, many citizens ask whether it really helps the government." He continued, "I believe we are in the process of moving toward unity within a broader framework. I also believe that creating such unity is the responsibility of the government, the ruling party and supporters across the broader camp."
Chief spokesperson Park Seong-jun stated, "The most important thing is that President Lee Jae Myung's true intentions regarding prosecution reform must not be distorted." He added, "The Democratic Party of Korea and President Lee have firmly pursued the central principle of prosecution reform—the complete separation of investigations and indictments—from before the presidential election through this very moment."
He continued, "We are completing prosecution reform by separating agencies outside the ministries, rather than separating agencies within a ministry, including the Public Prosecution Office under the Ministry of Justice and the Serious Crime Investigation Agency under the Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS)." He urged, "By abolishing even the authority to conduct supplementary investigations, we have completely blocked the slightest possibility of prosecutors conducting investigations. I hope there will be no further attempts to distort the president's true intentions and mislead the public about the facts through far-fetched claims."
The party also outlined its plans for key policy issues. The Democratic Party of Korea has designated this regular session of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea as a "policy-focused National Assembly fully devoted to people's livelihoods." It plans to swiftly legislate around common pledges and shared areas of interest in people's livelihoods held by the ruling and opposition parties.
In particular, the Democratic Party of Korea established six key priorities: reducing the burden of essential living expenses such as housing, transportation and education costs; guaranteeing young people's opportunities to build assets; promoting policies to make the capital market sounder; supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and small business owners; providing active support at the National Assembly level for investment in the United States; and identifying the cause of the landmine explosion in the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and preventing a recurrence.
Chief spokesperson Park Seong-jun said, "The central themes of public sentiment during this Chuseok holiday were undoubtedly people's livelihoods, the economy and the current political situation." He added, "Many people voiced concerns about grocery prices and the economy as they experience it. There was also considerable interest in the real estate market."
He continued, "There was particularly strong interest in and many opinions about real estate tax policy." He said, "We are well aware of the issues that concern the public. Our policy committee chair Kwon is preparing thoroughly, and we will work to make the necessary improvements."
The Democratic Party of Korea also highlighted Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae's responsibility amid the recent conflict between Cheong Wa Dae and the Supreme Court of Korea over the appointment of a Supreme Court justice.
Chief spokesperson Park Seong-jun said, "The public seems quite bewildered by the chief justice entering the political battle." He added, "People were especially surprised to see him smiling, shaking hands and exchanging greetings with President Lee Jae Myung, only for him to announce the next day—after President Lee left for an overseas trip—that he would refuse to re-recommend a Supreme Court justice."
He continued, "The key point is that citizens already believe Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae has entered the heart of politics as a politician, rather than behaving like a chief justice." He claimed, "The reality of Chief Justice Cho is being revealed to the public piece by piece through his conduct."
[email protected] Kim Hyeong-gu Reporter