On May 8, 2026, Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung dramatically tore up documents harshly criticizing President Yoon Suk-yeol’s cabinet nominees during a press conference at Seoul’s Grand Hyatt Hotel. The move highlighted deep frustrations over nominations deemed unfit for key positions.
Lee Jae-myung’s Fiery Protest
Lee targeted aides of late figures, including former Gyeongbuk Culture Director Kim Su-kwang, Park Su-hoon from the same office, Jeju Changgo Director Im Seong-chul, and Gangwon Gangneung Director Yi Ho-hyeon. He grabbed a cane symbolizing support for the nominees and ripped the papers apart, declaring, “Even if we completely handle the cane issue, more trash papers keep appearing.”
Lee continued, “It’s heartbreaking. We’re enduring the malice behind the words,” before shedding tears. He emphasized, “There are people around who apologize for not being able to manage Yoon, the manager.” Observers noted the emotional display exposed raw anger toward perceived unqualified appointments.
Justice Party Representative Joins In
Justice Party floor leader Jeong Cheong-rae escalated the drama at a Songpa press conference, tearing up documents protesting a second joint special investigation into a “former presidential aide’s embezzlement.” Jeong stated, “There are 500 lawyers available, but only 18 regions have such talent—it’s not true.”
He added, “True elites are those who truly care and sympathize with the lowly and divided.” Jeong overwhelmed the audience, saying, “If we had converged anxieties in one place, even Lee Jae-myung and I would have been trapped there. Wouldn’t those places become dog fights too?” His remarks drew applause amid cries of agreement.
National Assembly Chairman’s Stand
National Assembly Chairman Woo Won-shik later tore up documents in the plenary session hall during the 435th regular session’s second plenary. Protesting a People Power Party filibuster blocking a vote on a constitutional “personal safe” bill, Woo declared, “We will not deliberate on items threatening constitutional personal safe passage.”
Officials confirmed the emotional protests spread rapidly via social media and YouTube, amplifying public discourse on governance and nominations. Jeong Chi-kwon, a political commentator, remarked, “Pressuring citizens with egg hunts through state power provokes extraordinary responses.”
