Democratic Party in Turmoil Over 'Grave-Digging' Debate on Korea-US FTA

A heated debate over historical stances, particularly the controversial Korea-US Free Trade Agreement (FTA), has erupted between two leading figures in the Democratic Party, Song Young-gil and Jeong Cheong-rae, as they vie for the party leadership. The conflict, which has been termed the "grave-digging" debate by some within the party, threatens to overshadow the upcoming August 17th national convention.

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When the late President Roh Moo-hyun was pushing for the Korea-US FTA, most Democratic Party lawmakers fiercely opposed it. Representative Jeong Cheong-rae was at the forefront of that opposition.

Song, a potential candidate for party leader, accused Jeong of opposing the Roh Moo-hyun administration's push for the Korea-US FTA, a move Song claims distanced Jeong from the former president. Song stated, "When the late President Roh Moo-hyun was pushing for the Korea-US FTA, most Democratic Party lawmakers fiercely opposed it. Representative Jeong Cheong-rae was at the forefront of that opposition." Song contrasted this with his own consistent support for the FTA.

Jeong, a former party leader, responded with strong displeasure, denying Song's claims and warning of potential legal action if Song did not apologize. He urged an end to the "wasteful debate over legitimacy." Choi Min-hee, a lawmaker aligned with Jeong, criticized Song's approach, stating, "Now, even the pros and cons of the Korea-US FTA are being brought up to confuse the party leadership race. Can't we stop this biased 'grave-digging'?"

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I have never uttered the word 'legitimacy' myself. I hope you will not imagine and twist things I have not said.

Concerns are mounting within the party's senior ranks about the escalating internal conflict. Former National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik called for an immediate halt to "contemptuous and divisive language that wounds internal rivals and splits the base." Park Jie-won, another prominent lawmaker, echoed this sentiment, warning, "We must unite. If we dig up graves, we will all die."

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Now, even the pros and cons of the Korea-US FTA are being brought up to confuse the party leadership race. Can't we stop this biased 'grave-digging'?

The dispute highlights a broader tension within the Democratic Party regarding its historical legacy and the interpretation of its connection to former President Roh Moo-hyun. As the party navigates this internal strife, the focus remains on how these divisions will impact the upcoming leadership election and the party's overall unity.

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We must unite. If we dig up graves, we will all die.