Jeong Cheong-rae Quotes 'A Flower That Blooms While Swaying' Again During Visit to South Jeolla Province

Jeong Cheong-rae, leader of South Korea's Democratic Party, visited Mihwangsa temple in Haenam County, South Jeolla Province, on March 20. During his visit, he quoted poet Do Jong-hwan's famous verse, 'A flower that blooms while swaying,' encouraging attendees to find strength in the poem during difficult times. This is not the first time Jeong has referenced the poem recently.

Just two days prior, on March 18, Jeong quoted the same lines after seeing off President Lee Jae-myung at Seoul Air Base, remarking, "Isn't life about swaying and getting wet?" His subsequent visit to the southern provinces and repeated use of the poem have led to interpretations within and outside the party that he may be subtly expressing his discomfort with the current political pressures he faces.

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Please remember this poem when you are having a hard time and find strength.

Specifically, there is a growing sentiment among non-aligned factions within the party, particularly following the results of recent local elections, that is unfavorable to Jeong's potential bid for re-election as party leader in the upcoming August convention. The repeated invocation of the poem, which speaks of resilience and perseverance through adversity, is seen by some as a veiled response to these internal party dynamics and the perceived pressure to step down or not run for re-election.

Jeong shared his remarks from the completion ceremony for the renovation of Mihwangsa temple's Daeungbojeon hall on his Facebook page, emphasizing his personal connection to the temple, which he visits annually with his in-laws. The poem's theme of enduring and blooming despite challenges appears to resonate with his current political situation, as he navigates internal party dissent and external political pressures.

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Isn't life about swaying and getting wet?