The Democratic Party of Korea urged the People Power Party, which called for the withdrawal of ministerial candidates (Ahn Kyu-baek, Kwon Oh-eul, Jeong Dong-young), to "not cross the line," warning that it would also consider referring Song Eon-seok, chairperson of the People Power Party, to the ethics committee.
Kim Byung-ki, acting leader and floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, noted during a Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly that morning, "While the general principle of negotiation has been important, we've tried to restrain ourselves as much as possible, but today we must proceed with the Korea-U.S. discussion." He also warned, "The People Power Party should not cross the line."
He criticized, "I cannot tolerate the demand for the withdrawal of the three ministerial candidates. There is no valid reason or logical basis for withdrawing the ministerial candidates," adding, "It seems they are not only lacking the charges of sedition but also are suggesting they will refuse to accept the presidential election results."
He continued, "It seems the People Power Party has misunderstood the Democratic Party's willingness to cooperate," adding, "From now on, the Democratic Party will not tolerate any attempts to obstruct the launch of the Lee Jae-myung administration and will respond resolutely."
Earlier, Chairperson Song noted the need to call for the resignation of Kang Sun-woo, the former ministerial candidate for the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, who voluntarily resigned following a controversy over mistreatment of aides, and announced plans to refer him to the National Assembly's ethics committee.
Additionally, it was stated that a formal letter calling for the withdrawal of the three ministerial candidates Ahn Kyu-baek, Kwon Oh-eul, and Jeong Dong-young would be sent to the presidential office.
In response, Supreme Council members Jeon Hyun-hee and Han Jun-ho retorted, "The chairperson, who verbally abused and assaulted party officials and even left the party, should resign from their position as well."
Supreme Council member Han remarked, "Let those who want to criticize do so," adding, "I demand the same of Chairperson Song. If there is no voluntary resignation from their position as chairperson and member of the assembly, the Democratic Party will also refer Chairperson Song to the ethics committee for abuse and assault."
It appears to aim at the fact that during the by-election in 2021, Chairperson Song assaulted party officials for not properly preparing seats in the ballot counting situation room, leading to a controversy that made him leave the People’s Party.