Democratic Party faces internal strife over election losses as leader faces leadership challenge

The Democratic Party is embroiled in a heated internal debate over accountability for its recent election defeats, a conflict that is escalating as the party's national convention approaches in August. Non-aligned faction members are openly calling on party leader Jung Cheong-rae to withdraw his candidacy for a second term, while Jung appears determined to press ahead, focusing on rallying support from the party's rank-and-file.

The party's leadership meeting, the first since the local elections, exposed public disagreements within the top echelon. Hwang Myung-sun, a supreme council member who has often clashed with Jung, stated, "As a member of a leadership that failed to win the election, I believe it is my duty to party members not to run for leadership. I feel responsible and have decided not to run in the August convention." His indirect plea for Jung to step down was interpreted as a clear challenge.

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As a member of a leadership that failed to win the election, I believe it is my duty to party members not to run for leadership. I feel responsible and have decided not to run in the August convention.

Kang Deuk-gu, another supreme council member, echoed this sentiment by referencing President Lee's remarks about not being able to call a loss a success. He urged the entire leadership to take these words seriously. However, some party-aligned council members expressed discomfort with these criticisms. Moon Jung-bok called criticism "easy," while appointed council member Park Gyu-hwan cautioned against "disparaging comrades who fought to the death with the spirit of offering sacrifices to heaven."

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The people's will is heaven's will. No regime can overcome the people.

Jung's response during the meeting was layered. He initially aligned himself with President Lee's assessment of the election results. However, in his closing remarks, he stated, "The people's will is heaven's will. No regime can overcome the people." This statement was interpreted by some non-aligned members as a veiled message to the presidential office, possibly reflecting Jung's displeasure at not being invited to the presidential send-off for President Lee's overseas trip.

The presidential office, in response to the speculation surrounding Jung's absence from the send-off, stated that the decision to minimize attendees was based on various domestic and international factors, including the prolonged Middle East conflict and the election commission's operational status. They clarified that the Prime Minister's attendance was to convey instructions and requests regarding the long overseas trip.

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Criticism is easy.

Facing pressure to withdraw his leadership bid, Jung is actively seeking ways to navigate the situation. He highlighted the introduction of a "one-person, one-vote" system for party members as a significant achievement from the Roh Moo-hyun era, emphasizing its continuation as a path forward. He also proposed live-streaming party meetings, a move that has garnered support from party members.

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Disparaging comrades who fought to the death with the spirit of offering sacrifices to heaven is not desirable.