DP leader Kim Min-seok urges 'zero-point shift' for party's future

Kim Min-seok, the leader of the Democratic Party, has issued a stark warning: without a fundamental "zero-point shift," the party risks losing its grip on national governance within the next decade. Speaking at a workshop for lawmakers in Incheon, Kim stressed that while failing to regain power isn't necessarily a complete defeat, a lack of it could lead to the reversal of the party's achievements.

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If we do not achieve a "zero-point shift," it will be difficult for our party to continuously manage state affairs in five or ten years.

Kim recalled the party's past success under President Kim Dae-jung, attributing it to a transformation into the Millennium Democratic Party and the successful recruitment of new members beyond its traditional base. He also pointed to the adoption of a "New DJ" (Dae-jung) line, signifying a necessary "zero-point shift" for that era.

He presented two contrasting strategies for the party's future. One, championed by former leader Chung Sye-kyun, focuses on expanding the party's reach towards the center-right to create a "structural majority." The other, associated with Rep. Kim Min-seok himself, advocates for a "no middle ground" approach, emphasizing party unity. Kim acknowledged that while other disagreements can be resolved, the issue of engaging with the center and achieving a structural majority remains a difficult point of negotiation between these two perspectives.

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We have regained power once. During President Kim Dae-jung's administration, our factor for regaining power was twofold: first, transforming into the Millennium Democratic Party after taking office and recruiting significantly beyond our original support base. Second, adopting the New DJ line. We made the necessary zero-point shift at that time.

Kim also reflected on the recent leadership election, interpreting the party members' choice of his leadership as a mandate for a "livelihood, practical, and expansion" (min-saeng, silyong, hwakjang) line. He contrasted this with the current government's initial strong approval ratings, which have since faltered, suggesting that the party is at a critical juncture. This chosen path, he believes, is essential for the Democratic Party to secure victory and achieve re-election.

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We have two paths: expanding towards the center-right and making it a structural majority, or rallying under the banner 'Unite! There is no middle ground!'