Junior MDP Lawmakers Demand Resignation of Party Leadership

In a radical upheaval rarely seen in Korean politics, 13 first- and second-term lawmakers from the ruling Millennium Democratic Party (MDP) called for the resignation of the party leadership in acceptance of responsibility for the current political stalemate. They also demanded the introduction of a special prosecutor for an impartial investigation into the Hanvit Bank illegal loan scandal in defiance of party policy.

Previously, the lawmakers had attempted to release a joint statement with opposition members of the National Assembly in the hope that the senior members of their parties would work together to resolve the current political crisis. When the plan failed on Sept. 14, however, they decided to resort to more radical action.

Park In-sang, one of the dissident lawmakers, argued, "It will be extremely difficult to dispel the widespread suspicion concerning the Hanvit Bank loan scandal even if President Kim Dae-jung orders the prosecution to reinvestigate the matter. Only a special prosecutor free from political loyalties can fully resolve the problem."

Lee Ho-ung, another member of the group, said, "The loan scandal has the potential to become a replay of the controversial 'Furgate' scandal last year. President Kim needs to punish those involved in the scandal."

Fellow rookie lawmaker Kim Sung-ho commented that "if the party leadership proves unable to provide a clear vision for resolving the current political deadlock, we need to think seriously about asking them to take responsibility and to resign."

In response, MDP Chairman Suh Young-hoon held a meeting Friday with MDP floor leader, chief policymaker, and secretary-general to discuss the radical calls from within the party. Suh said it was "inappropriate to discuss the resignation of the party leadership so soon after they were elected at the recent party convention." Secretary-General Kim Ok-doo dismissed the demand for a special prosecutor to investigate the Hanvit Bank scandal, saying it was "not an option."

Meanwhile, the opposition Grand National Party (GNP) demanded President Kim Dae-jung apologize for the political crisis, appoint a special prosecutor and allow a parliamentary investigation into the loan scandal, and resign his position as ruling party president.

by Lee Yang-soo