Opposition follows Sohn to quit party
By Yi Whan-woo
Rep. Lee Chan-yeol
A lawmaker at the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) (formerly the Minjoo Party of Korea) bolted from the party, Friday, after Sohn Hak-kyu, a now former high-profile member of the DPK, announced his return to the politics and also withdrew from the party, Thursday, following a two-year hiatus.
Rep. Lee Chan-yeol, who is seen as a Sohn loyalist, said he decided to leave the DPK to help Sohn expand his influence, adding “This is my right and duty.”
Lee, a three-term lawmaker, won a parliamentary seat in the 2009 by-elections with support from Sohn.
His withdrawal is fueling speculation that other DPK members who are believed to be Sohn loyalists will also quit the party and join Sohn.
Some of the Sohn loyalists at the DPK include Reps. Kim Byung-wook and Park Chan-dae.
Sohn’s return is expected to affect the DPK’s step to woo support from the liberal-minded voters ahead of the 2017 presidential election.
Some political sources said Sohn may join forces with Ahn Cheol-soo, a former co-chairman of the minor opposition People’s Party.
Ahn is viewed as a presidential hopeful for next year’s election.
DPK Chairwoman Rep. Choo Mi-ae said Friday that she is willing to accept Lee again as a member, saying “There will be room available for him at any time.”
The MPK changed its name to the DPK, Wednesday.