So, the National Assembly has approved the arrest of lawmaker Lee Seok-ki, accused of
conspiring a rebellion against the current government in the event of an inter-Korean
war.
This scandal is widely expected to rock the political scene for quite some time.
In particular, this is seen as a major setback for the main opposition Democratic Party.
although lawmaker Lee Seok-ki is of the minor opposition Unified Progressive Party.
For more on this, we are now joined by Dr. Kim Ji-yoon from the Asan Institute for Policy
Studies.
Hello, Dr. Kim.
The ruling Saenuri Party is demanding the main opposition Democratic Party take responsibility
for the sedition scandal involving lawmaker Lee.
That is because the main opposition party united with minor opposition parties, including
the UPP, for the April general elections and the December presidential election.
Now, this argument that the main opposition party must be held accountable., how has it
affected the DP's image?
The Democratic Party had a string of election losses last year.
And the party
is still viewed as
being in disarray.
How do you
think the Lee Seok-ki scandal will affect the DP's future moves?
Because of the sedition scandal, the call for rigorous reform of the National Intelligence
Service has weakened in recent days.
Despite what's happening right now, would you say the NIS needs to reform for the good
of the country?
Why?
The Lee Seok-ki scandal is rocking the nation, and other important issues like the allegations
that the NIS interfered in last year's presidential election,.
have been placed on the back-burner.
We
have by-elections coming up in October.
How do you think
this will affect
the political environment moving forward?
Dr. Kim, thank you for your time.