Jeong Cheong-rae Meets 'Nosamo' Members, Emphasizes Political Legitimacy

Jeong Cheong-rae, former leader of South Korea's Democratic Party, met with members of 'Nosamo,' a fan club dedicated to the late former President Roh Moo-hyun. The meeting, held on July 6, comes as the party gears up for its August convention, where discussions about political lineage and succession are intensifying.

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It's like an elementary school reunion; although it's memories of the past, we quickly fell into President Roh's hot 2002 election like a time machine.

Jeong shared photos from the gathering on social media, describing it as a "Nosamo reunion." He evoked memories of Roh's 2002 presidential campaign, recalling their shared passion for a society free from privilege and unfairness, a unified nation, and becoming an East Asian logistics hub. Jeong emphasized that their "passion for Roh Moo-hyun, inspired by him, and wanting to live like him, has not changed over the years."

This move is interpreted as Jeong's strategy to bolster his claim to the party's 'legitimate' succession. He has previously referred to himself as a "Roh Moo-hyun kid," crediting the former president's political reforms and the introduction of regional primaries for his own entry into politics. The timing of this public display of loyalty is seen by some within the party as a subtle jab at rivals, such as Kim Min-seok, who had a different political trajectory during Roh's era.

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We confirmed that our passion for Roh Moo-hyun, inspired by him, and wanting to live like him, has not changed over the years.

Earlier, Jeong visited the memorial of Roh Moo-hyun in Bongha Village, Gyeongsangnam-do, further solidifying his connection to the former president's legacy. His actions highlight the enduring influence of Roh's political ideals within the Democratic Party and the strategic importance of aligning with his historical support base.

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I opened my eyes to political reality through Roh Moo-hyun, and I was able to become a member of the National Assembly through Roh Moo-hyun's political reform and the introduction of regional primaries.