Lee Eun-ju claims Democratic Party blocked her from committee chair

Lee Eun-ju, a lawmaker and former senior official of South Korea's Democratic Party, publicly denounced the party after she was omitted from the list of parliamentary standing committee chairs. In a Facebook post, she said the exclusion was a form of political retaliation, noting that she had applied for chair positions in the industry, trade and resources committee and the science‑technology‑communication committee based on her experience as an investment‑lawyer and as the party’s economic‑growth committee head during the presidential campaign.

Lee said the party leadership gave no clear criteria or explanation for leaving her out, accusing them of “non‑rational” and “unfair” decision‑making. She rejected calls to leave the party, stating she will not resign and positioning herself as a representative of moderate conservatives within the Democratic Party.

The dispute highlights internal tensions over committee assignments and the party’s handling of senior members.