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🇰🇷 South Korea /Elections & Politics

Senior lawmaker warns Democratic Party: Unite or face defeat

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • A senior member of South Korea's Democratic Party urged unity within the party, warning that internal conflict could lead to defeat.
  • The lawmaker highlighted the importance of focusing on future-oriented policies and economic issues rather than past grievances.
  • He emphasized that internal strife weakens the party and plays into the hands of political opponents.

Park Jie-won, a veteran lawmaker of South Korea's Democratic Party, issued a stark warning against internal divisions, calling President Lee Jae-myung the party's "number one asset." He urged party members to unite, stating, "We live when we unite, and we die when we fight." Park's comments come amid ongoing tensions within the party, particularly concerning the relationship between Lee and another prominent figure, Chung Sye-kyun.

President Lee Jae-myung is the Democratic Party's number one asset.

— Park Jie-wonPark Jie-won, a Democratic Party lawmaker, emphasized the importance of President Lee Jae-myung to the party's success.

Park stressed the need for the party to return to its focus on "future-oriented livelihoods, economic issues, and completing the three major reforms," rather than dwelling on past conflicts. He argued that the next two years, with no immediate elections, represent a "golden time" for President Lee to work, and for the party to engage in "future-oriented competition." He warned that internal bickering would only benefit political opponents who are "parading" and aiming for future power.

We live when we unite, and we die when we fight.

— Park Jie-wonPark Jie-won warned against internal party divisions, highlighting the critical need for unity.

"Are we going to a world where the 'former regime,' 'Yoon Again,' Park Geun-hye, and 'MB' are active?" Park questioned, referencing past administrations and political figures. He expressed bewilderment at the idea of continuing past-focused battles, suggesting it would lead to election defeats and a loss of power. "If we only fight past battles, are we truly saying it's okay to lose the general election and hand over power?" he asked, questioning the "delusion" that they could still win even while fighting amongst themselves.

Are we going to a world where the 'former regime,' 'Yoon Again,' Park Geun-hye, and 'MB' are active?

— Park Jie-wonPark Jie-won questioned the direction of the party if it continues to focus on past conflicts.

As the oldest member of the 22nd National Assembly and a five-term lawmaker, Park drew on his experience, stating, "After one year of applause and four years of fighting, what is our future?" He asserted that "history proves" the consequences of such internal conflict. Park had previously called for Chung Sye-kyun not to run for the party leadership in the next convention, though Chung is reportedly seeking re-election.

After one year of applause and four years of fighting, what is our future?

— Park Jie-wonPark Jie-won used his experience to caution against prolonged internal party struggles.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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