South Korea opposition seeks dismissal of unification minister

April 24 (Asia Today) -- South Korea's main opposition People Power Party said Friday it will prepare a motion recommending the dismissal of Unification Minister Chung Dong-young over controversy surrounding his public remarks about a suspected uranium enrichment facility in Kusong, North Korea.

The party argues the comments have sparked concerns about a possible information leak related to sensitive security matters.

Song Eon-seok, floor leader of the People Power Party, said during a party strategy meeting at the National Assembly that lawmakers unanimously agreed to pursue the motion.

"If President Lee Jae-myung does not dismiss the minister, we should consider submitting a motion recommending his removal," Song said. "We will immediately begin preparing the motion following unanimous agreement among our lawmakers."

The remarks follow criticism that Chung's disclosure regarding a North Korean nuclear-related facility could undermine national security, though the government has not formally confirmed whether classified information was involved.

The opposition party also broadened its attack to the ruling Democratic Party's nomination process for upcoming local and by-elections, accusing it of selecting candidates with past legal controversies.

Song described the nominations as "the return of criminal old boys," alleging that the ruling party is mobilizing state power to protect President Lee from ongoing legal cases.

He cited several examples, including the nomination of former South Gyeongsang Province Gov. Kim Kyoung-soo, who previously lost his position following conviction in a high-profile online comment manipulation case.

Song also criticized the selection of Rep. Jeon Jae-soo as a mayoral candidate in Busan, referring to past bribery allegations involving luxury goods, though the case expired due to the statute of limitations.

He further mentioned former Democratic Party leader Song Young-gil, former lawmaker Lee Kwang-jae and former vice governor Kim Yong, all of whom have faced legal issues, as examples of what he called controversial nominations.

In addition, Song took aim at former lawmaker Ahn Min-seok, who has been named a unified progressive candidate for the Gyeonggi provincial education superintendent race, citing past controversies involving his remarks and conduct.

The opposition leader also criticized the Democratic Party's push for a special counsel investigation related to President Lee, calling it a predetermined effort following what he described as similarly biased parliamentary probes.

"This is not an era of popular sovereignty, but one of criminal sovereignty," Song said. "Are criminal records a badge of honor and criminal investigations a sin in the ruling party?"

He framed the upcoming elections as a choice between "a society led by law-abiding citizens" and one "where individuals with criminal records seek power," pledging that his party would stand with voters who uphold the rule of law.

The Democratic Party has not immediately responded to the opposition's claims.

-- Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI

© Asia Today. Unauthorized reproduction or redistribution prohibited.

Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260424010007755

Copyright 2026 UPI News Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

This story was originally published April 24, 2026 at 5:04 PM.