Within the Democratic Party of Korea, factional conflict is intensifying ahead of the party convention in Aug. Centered on Chair Jung Chung-rae, who is seeking another term, the "pro-Jung (pro-Jung Chung-rae)" faction is facing off against the "pro-Myung (pro Lee Jae-myung)" faction represented by Prime Minister Kim Min-seok and lawmaker Song Young-gil, bringing the rivalry to the surface. Some predict that as the convention nears, factional clashes could reach a serious level.
Democratic Party lawmaker Jeon Hyun-hee held a forum at the National Assembly Members' Office Building on the afternoon of the 9th under the theme "Year 2 of the Lee Jae-myung administration, bolder reform." The forum was attended by Democratic Party lawmakers Song Young-gil, Park Hee-seung, Lee Gi-heon, and Lim Mi-ae, as well as Ulsan mayor-elect Kim Sang-wook.
Song said, "The reason the next Democratic Party of Korea leadership is important is that we are at a critical moment when it must lead reforms through close trust and cooperation with the president, rather than wasting energy on unnecessary conflict." After the forum, meeting with reporters, Song noted, "Yesterday (on the 8th), President Lee Jae-myung signaled his perception (of the local election results) through a press conference," hinting at "Jung Chung-rae leadership responsibility."
Jeon Hyun-hee also indirectly criticized Chair Jung. Jeon said, "Leadership risk is raised every election," adding, "As the leadership of the ruling party, it is necessary to have risk management and dignity. We need to show the public a message of unity and the image of a sophisticated party."
Sharp reactions toward Song are emerging from the pro-Jung camp. Democratic Party Supreme Council member Lee Seong-yoon wrote on Facebook the previous day, "Did former Chair Song not defend independent candidate Kim Kwan-young by saying, 'Kim Kwan-young is ultimately a Democratic Party person'?" adding, "Such words and actions are a grave act of harming the party that fails to confirm even the basic facts." Lawmaker Choi Min-hee also posted on Facebook toward Song, saying, "Taking responsibility for your own act of harming the party is the minimum courtesy."
Even before the official party convention process begins, concern is being voiced within the party as the race for party leadership overheats. The June 3 local elections amounted to a "half victory," and it does not look good to veer straight into division.
A Democratic Party lawmaker with a constituency in the Seoul metropolitan area said, "This is a time to reflect on the public sentiment shown in the local elections, but the party has shifted too quickly into a party leadership race mood," adding, "It is not even the preparation stage yet, but it is overheating from the start, so there is concern that we could show the public an unseemly image."