- Parliamentary investigation into the head of the judiciary? Unprecedented... Democratic Party's misstep
- Cho Kuk benefited from 'impeaching Cho Hee-dae'... Intended to rally hardline supporters
- Cho Hee-dae will 100% not attend... Public opinion will only worsen
- The Democratic Party will just be putting on a solo show... People Power Party should boycott the probe
- With severe friction in the party leadership, the President will desperately need senior lawmakers' roles
- Outspoken ruling party seniors were all purged... No one with resolve remains
- Jang Dong-hyeok heading to the NEC ballot verification site? Fulfilling his final obligation
- Once ballot verification ends, Jang Dong-hyeok has no need to stand at the 'Olympic Park protests'
- Oh Se-hoon tries to avoid mistakes... Never forces anything
- Oh Se-hoon getting bogged down in internal party politics? Neither the circumstances nor the person for that
- Even with overlapping aspects with Han Dong-hoon, Lee Jun-seok must have the vision to integrate

■ Broadcast: SBS Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show (FM 103.5 MHz 7:00 – 9:00 AM)
■ Date: October 28, 2026 (Wednesday)
■ Host: Attorney Kim Tae-hyun
■ Guest: Kim Sung-tae, Former People Power Party Lawmaker

[Kim Tae-hyun] Who made him angry today, and over what issue? It is Wednesday's "Angry Sung-tae," former People Power Party lawmaker Kim Sung-tae. Welcome.

[Kim Sung-tae] Hello. I am Kim Sung-tae.

[Kim Tae-hyun] Lawmaker Kim, who is the target of your anger this week?

[Kim Sung-tae] Inevitably, it is the ruling Democratic Party, which is supposed to support President Lee Jae-myung's state administration. But right now, President Lee Jae-myung still has nearly 3 years and 7 months left in his term. If public sentiment is drifting away and widespread chaos unfolds across state administration, they need to coolly examine where the fundamental cause lies. Still, the Democratic Party is quite a competent political group. A party like that should properly analyze these issues, provide suitable prescriptions, and guarantee actual implementation. Yet, the Democratic Party seems to keep making missteps.

[Kim Tae-hyun] Making missteps.

[Kim Sung-tae] Yes. At the August 17 national convention, they engaged in an ideological struggle that was fiercer than a mere power struggle. The aftereffects continue to this day. They initially sought to impeach Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae, the head of the judiciary, but feared a political backlash, so as a compromise, they decided to pursue a parliamentary investigation first.

[Kim Tae-hyun] That is how you view it.

[Kim Sung-tae] In South Korea's 78 years of constitutional history, never once has the legislative branch summoned the head of the judiciary—a pillar of the separation of powers—in the form of a parliamentary investigation like this.

[Kim Tae-hyun] Let us talk about that parliamentary investigation. What do you think its objective is? Is it a buildup process to uncover things and proceed toward impeachment? Or did they opt for a parliamentary investigation as a second-best option because impeachment is burdensome, yet doing nothing would enrage their hardline supporters?

[Kim Sung-tae] From the Democratic Party's perspective, if they could clearly establish concrete grounds of violating the Constitution and the law for impeachment, and given their various communication channels with the Constitutional Court, they would fundamentally want to impeach him. Especially after the Supreme Court remanded President Lee Jae-myung's election law case with a guilty determination ahead of the presidential election, Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae became a target for elimination. They never considered respecting the head of the judiciary's term until June next year, cooperating with him based on the separation of powers, and safeguarding Korean democracy.

[Kim Tae-hyun] Yes.

[Kim Sung-tae] However, under the Constitution and the law, there are no clear grounds whatsoever to impeach Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae. As a result, the Democratic Party's hardline base, and particularly Cho Kuk, leader of the Rebuilding Korea Party, are taking advantage of this. When has the Rebuilding Korea Party ever received a 9% approval rating? (According to a party approval rating survey conducted by Media Tomato via ARS at the request of News Tomato from October 19 to 20, the People Power Party recorded 37.2%, the Democratic Party 36.2%, and the Rebuilding Korea Party 9.0%. For details, refer to the National Election Survey Deliberation Commission website.) Without the atmosphere following the Yoon Suk-yeol insurrection, the Rebuilding Korea Party could never have gained such support.

[Kim Tae-hyun] Yes.

[Kim Sung-tae] Facing such political dynamics, the ruling Democratic Party hesitated and vacillated, and the end product was this parliamentary investigation. But they should not be doing this. President Lee Jae-myung and Party Leader Kim Min-seok should tackle this head-on and say, "We are the ruling force. As the ruling party, we should not do things like this." Like him or not, they should respect Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae's term until next June. In return, Chief Justice Cho should also respect the President's appointment authority.

[Kim Tae-hyun] That is how it should be resolved?

[Kim Sung-tae] The administration needs to demonstrate the capability and competence to resolve this through politics.

[Kim Tae-hyun] But they went ahead with it. Why do you think they did it? What was the goal?

[Kim Sung-tae] Appeasing and rallying the Democratic Party's hardline supporters comes first. Nothing more, nothing less.

[Kim Tae-hyun] Rather than impeachment, rallying the Democratic Party comes first.

[Kim Sung-tae] They intend to monitor public opinion while conducting this investigation, hoping that something decisive might catch Cho Hee-dae in the process.

[Kim Tae-hyun] In case something turns up?

[Kim Sung-tae] They are proceeding with that expectation. But even if they do this, in my view, Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae will 100% not attend. Well, saying 100% might be strong, but...

[Kim Tae-hyun] He will not attend?

[Kim Sung-tae] In September of last year, the National Assembly held a hearing on pending issues, and not only Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae, but also Presiding Judge Ji Gwi-yeon and others summoned as witnesses or references did not show up at all. It only created an embarrassing spectacle for the public.

[Kim Tae-hyun] A Democratic Party official reportedly said that summoning Chief Justice Cho is not the main goal. They said the key is to inform the public of what Chief Justice Cho has done, so if he does not show up, they will proceed without him. So you expect him not to appear. But lawmaker Kim, back in 2016, you served as the chair of the special parliamentary committee on the state affairs manipulation scandal.

[Kim Sung-tae] In 2017, I served as chair of the special hearing committee on the Choi Soon-sil state affairs manipulation scandal.

[Kim Tae-hyun] Ah, it was 2017. When a parliamentary investigation is conducted, does new information actually come out?

[Kim Sung-tae] Quite a lot comes out.

[Kim Tae-hyun] Quite a lot?

[Kim Sung-tae] Yes.

[Kim Tae-hyun] Do you think something will come out this time as well?

[Kim Sung-tae] Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae is a person who has spent his entire life solely presiding over trials. He has never once caused an issue within the judiciary regarding his private life, such as drinking or entertainment. He is someone who has conducted trials strictly by the law book.

[Kim Tae-hyun] So nothing will come out?

[Kim Sung-tae] On the contrary, he might lack political judgment compared to past chief justices. I view that as an exemplary trait for a judge. Just because someone lacks political savvy, clashes with the President on every issue, and does not comply when asked to make re-recommendations—does that warrant impeachment? Even if current polls show divided opinions, the further this pushes toward impeachment, the worse public opinion will inevitably become.

[Kim Tae-hyun] I see. Now to the People Power Party's choice. They say they will block it, but numerically it is impossible, and physically impossible. If the special committee is launched, should PPP lawmakers participate, or strategically boycott it?

[Kim Sung-tae] Speaking from my personal experience as a former floor leader, the main opposition People Power Party has no reason to accommodate this kind of parliamentary investigation.

[Kim Tae-hyun] A complete boycott?

[Kim Sung-tae] If it were an outcome reached after thorough bipartisan discussions and mutual agreement on its necessity, they should naturally participate. But this was passed by the pro-government bloc led by the Democratic Party's 161 seats. When did they ever consult with the main opposition party or follow proper procedures? They did not.

[Kim Tae-hyun] So boycotting is the right move?

[Kim Sung-tae] On that ground alone, boycotting is the right course.

[Kim Tae-hyun] But if PPP lawmakers do not join, it will become an exclusive stage for Democratic Party lawmakers.

[Kim Sung-tae] Even if it becomes their stage, that cannot be helped.

[Kim Tae-hyun] Really?

[Kim Sung-tae] They will just be playing the drums and gongs by themselves, putting their own unsightly behavior on display for the public. It is not a five-day market; what citizen would go buy goods from a stall like that?

[Kim Tae-hyun] Understood. You believe boycotting is the right approach. Meanwhile, an important gathering is taking place today at the presidential office. The President is hosting a dinner with senior Democratic Party lawmakers who have served five or more terms. The keyword appears to be 'unity.' It is natural and good for the President to dine with lawmakers. But at this juncture, gathering only seniors with five or more terms—what could be the President's political calculation?

[Kim Sung-tae] Rather than a hidden motive, politics is simply not functioning properly within his home party, the Democratic Party, despite its massive legislative power. Due to the aftermath of the August 17 national convention, just a few days ago at a Supreme Council meeting, Supreme Council Member Han Min-soo confronted Party Leader Kim Min-seok directly, demanding accountability and asking why the Shincheonji issue was not being exposed. From President Lee Jae-myung's perspective, it seems he feels Party Leader Kim Min-seok cannot resolve or handle these deepening conflicts alone. So he is asking these five-term senior lawmakers to step forward, defuse the amplifying internal strife, and take the lead in creating unity fitting for a ruling party. That is clearly the message. That is why he is meeting five-term lawmakers; it is about their role. The role of senior lawmakers is desperately needed.

[Kim Tae-hyun] But usually, when senior lawmakers attend such meetings, they are supposed to offer bitter advice to the President.

[Kim Sung-tae] Typically, senior lawmakers are very gentle. They ought to say, "Mr. President, you also need to fix these issues. Step away from posting on your X account at dawn, and show the true image of a president who focuses on people's livelihoods, the economy, diplomacy, and security. We will resolve and take care of internal party conflicts." If there were a senior lawmaker who could speak like that, they should be given priority nomination for 2028. But there are hardly any such people.

[Kim Tae-hyun] But you generally know most of the current five-term Democratic Party lawmakers.

[Kim Sung-tae] I know all of them.

[Kim Tae-hyun] Is there anyone among them who could speak like that?

[Kim Sung-tae] In the past, people like former lawmaker Seol Hoon or Hong Young-pyo would have said it. But they were all purged during the nominations.

[Kim Tae-hyun] Is that so?

[Kim Sung-tae] Under the current circumstances, I do not see anyone with the grit to speak like that in front of the President. It is regrettable.

[Kim Tae-hyun] Understood. Let us talk about the opposition party. PPP Leader Jang Dong-hyeok is scheduled to hold a press conference shortly at the ballot verification site conducted by the National Election Commission special prosecutor. What message might come out?

[Kim Sung-tae] From Leader Jang Dong-hyeok's perspective, the severe mismanagement by the NEC, stemming from the ballot shortage during the June 3 election, could eventually be framed as election fraud if such failures accumulate. In that sense, he feels he must fulfill his final obligation to those who have raised their voices at Olympic Park, particularly hardline supporters demanding the eradication of fraudulent elections and addressing abuses of voting rights.

[Kim Tae-hyun] Yes.

[Kim Sung-tae] That is why he is going there.

[Kim Tae-hyun] If you say he is fulfilling his final obligation, does that mean once the ballot verification concludes today and the results are out, the Olympic Park situation should return to normal?

[Kim Sung-tae] Rather than Olympic Park, the NEC special counsel was a joint product created with great difficulty through the wisdom of both ruling and opposition parties in 2026. This special counsel is currently operating and conducting ballot counting. We should watch this process unfold. Now, as the main opposition party, we need to conclude this parliamentary audit well and enter the budget review. We must show the public our policy capability, competence, and vision as a party ready for power by 2030, fulfilling the duties of the main opposition party, preparing thoroughly, and executing plans. The party leader should stand at the center of that role. Regarding election fraud, the impeachment special counsel can handle oversight and monitoring, and once results emerge, institutional reforms like abolishing early voting can be pursued through bipartisan agreement.

[Kim Tae-hyun] So disband the Olympic Park protests?

[Kim Sung-tae] Rather than Olympic Park, I believe now...

[Kim Tae-hyun] Stop it now?

[Kim Sung-tae] That should now...

[Kim Tae-hyun] So should they continue?

[Kim Sung-tae] Other people can do that...

[Kim Tae-hyun] Regardless of whether they do it or not, the party leader should stop going?

[Kim Sung-tae] Even if hardline supporters hold spontaneous gatherings, the party leader no longer needs to stand at the forefront.

[Kim Tae-hyun] Do not stand at the forefront.

[Kim Sung-tae] That is how I see it.

[Kim Tae-hyun] Understood. Let us talk about Mayor Oh Se-hoon. Mayor Oh has returned alive. He made a dramatic survival. From the People Power Party's perspective, they kept the Seoul mayoral seat and secured a prominent presidential contender, right?

[Kim Sung-tae] Yes.

[Kim Tae-hyun] You have observed Mayor Oh Se-hoon for a long time.

[Kim Sung-tae] I have watched him for a long time.

[Kim Tae-hyun] You have watched him for a long time. What is Mayor Oh's strength as a politician? As a leading candidate for the next presidential election, where does his competitiveness lie?

[Kim Sung-tae] He tries hard not to make mistakes. He is calm.

[Kim Tae-hyun] He tries not to make mistakes.

[Kim Sung-tae] And he never overreaches. People are saying that since Oh Se-hoon survived his appellate trial, he will immediately resolve all political conflicts within the People Power Party, play the most decisive role in the 2028 general elections, and become the core figure in reforming the conservative bloc.

[Kim Tae-hyun] Because it is Seoul.

[Kim Sung-tae] And that he will head toward the 2030 presidential election with the strongest competitiveness. That is far too premature.

[Kim Tae-hyun] Why?

[Kim Sung-tae] Mayor Oh Se-hoon should remain faithful to his role as Seoul mayor right now. His domain should be administration, not politics. He needs to demonstrate the capability and competence that allow the public to compare the municipal governance of Seoul—the capital with ten million citizens—against President Lee Jae-myung's state administration. For example, he should provide solutions to Seoul's housing and real estate issues and wrap them up swiftly, earning public praise by enhancing Seoul's competitiveness. Right now, the conditions do not allow Oh Se-hoon to deeply immerse himself in internal party politics, nor is he that kind of person.

[Kim Tae-hyun] So your point is that he should focus on administration as mayor of Seoul rather than jumping into party politics.

[Kim Sung-tae] That is my view. It is human nature to express gratitude to those who showed interest and support during his trial, but Mayor Oh does not need to, and should not, go beyond that.

[Kim Tae-hyun] Mayor Oh Se-hoon naturally wants to become president in the next presidential election, right?

[Kim Sung-tae] Naturally.

[Kim Tae-hyun] As a presidential contender, is evaluating him as "never trying to make mistakes and never overreaching" a positive assessment or a negative one?

[Kim Sung-tae] It can be seen as stability. After voluntarily resigning as Seoul mayor over the free school lunch issue in 2010, Oh Se-hoon spent 10 years in political exile before returning in 2021. The path he took to get here was arduous. That is why he never wants to repeat such misjudgments. Therefore, it should be seen as having a stable political foundation.

[Kim Tae-hyun] By saying Mayor Oh Se-hoon should focus on administration rather than party politics...

[Kim Sung-tae] Through administration, he should let the public and Seoul citizens judge President Lee Jae-myung's national governance against Mayor Oh Se-hoon's Seoul governance.

[Kim Tae-hyun] Then what about the media talk of an 'Oh-Dong-Seok (Oh Se-hoon, Han Dong-hoon, Lee Jun-seok) alliance'?

[Kim Sung-tae] Rather than an alliance, Mayor Oh should at least do this much.

[Kim Tae-hyun] Do what?

[Kim Sung-tae] The conservative bloc is currently fractured and scattered due to conflict, division, and animosity.

[Kim Tae-hyun] Yes.

[Kim Sung-tae] For the next general election, to become the majority leading party, we must rally everything. Mayor Oh playing a protective backdrop role to unite them is extremely important.

[Kim Tae-hyun] Delivering messages.

[Kim Sung-tae] I also expect and request that from him. However, Oh Se-hoon cannot stand at the center of that political fray. If a national convention is held next year, is Oh Se-hoon going to run? Can Oh Se-hoon handle the next candidate nominations? He cannot.

[Kim Tae-hyun] But whether it is called Oh-Dong-Seok or Oh-Han-Seok, Lawmaker Lee Jun-seok has recently criticized Lawmaker Han Dong-hoon so harshly. Can the two of them actually work together?

[Kim Sung-tae] That is why I believe that from former Reform Party Leader Lee Jun-seok's standpoint, driving wedges between players in the conservative camp is problematic. No matter how formidable a potential rival Han Dong-hoon is right now, and even if they need to overcome each other or have overlapping political orientations, what is important right now is having the political insight and vision to unite the conservative bloc on a grand scale.

[Kim Tae-hyun] Yes.

[Kim Sung-tae] For instance, if he hopes to align with the People Power Party someday, appealing to the PPP's hardline base by attacking Han Dong-hoon and driving wedges against him is not the way he should seek evaluation.

[Kim Tae-hyun] Understood. That was former People Power Party Lawmaker Kim Sung-tae. Thank you.

[Kim Sung-tae] Thank you.

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