Democrats Criticize Jo Guk for Attacking Party Candidate Amidst By-Election Campaign

The Democratic Party has sharply criticized Jo Guk, the leader of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, for his campaign tactics in the Pyeongtaek B parliamentary by-election. The core of the dispute lies in Jo Guk's focus on attacking the Democratic Party's candidate, Kim Yong-nam, rather than concentrating his efforts on the opposing People Power Party, as The Hankyoreh reports. This internal conflict within the progressive camp is raising concerns among voters who desire unity.

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It is difficult to comprehend that while advocating for 'zero National Power,' he is actually aiming his main attack at a Democratic Party candidate.

Democratic Party spokesperson Park Ji-hye articulated the party's stance, stating that it is 'difficult to comprehend' Jo Guk's decision to direct negative campaigning towards a Democratic Party candidate while claiming to represent the most 'pro-democracy' ideals. The party argues that Jo Guk's actions, which include demanding apologies from Kim Yong-nam for past remarks related to the Sewol ferry disaster and other incidents, are creating divisions within the progressive bloc and undermining the broader goal of achieving a 'zero National Power' outcome. This internal strife, the party contends, is detrimental to the cause of democratic reform.

From the perspective of the Democratic Party, the priority in Pyeongtaek should be on presenting concrete visions for the district's development, not on internal squabbles. They view Jo Guk's strategy as a diversion from the main objective and a potential weakening of their collective strength against the conservative opposition. The party's statement implies that Jo Guk's focus on Kim Yong-nam's past is a misdirected effort, especially given that Kim Yong-nam was nominated by a party that has not yet fully atoned for past transgressions. This internal critique highlights the complex and often contentious dynamics within South Korean politics, particularly between established parties and newer political forces seeking to carve out their own space.

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This kind of politics is far from the path of solidarity for the greater good.

The situation underscores a broader tension in Korean politics: the balance between party loyalty, ideological purity, and strategic electoral maneuvering. While Jo Guk aims to position his party as a distinct force for reform, the Democratic Party sees his approach as potentially jeopardizing the immediate electoral prospects of the progressive coalition. The Hankyoreh's reporting provides a platform for these differing viewpoints, reflecting the ongoing debate about the best path forward for the democratic and reformist movements in South Korea.

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The refusal to apologize and the failure to humbly admit errors is truly a prosecutor-like attitude.