The Democratic Party of Korea is pushing back against author Yoo Si-min's recent comments targeting President Lee Jae-myung, particularly his so-called "expansion theory." Tensions within the party are rising, especially with prominent figures like Prime Minister Kim Min-seok and lawmaker Song Young-gil likely to run in the upcoming convention in August.
On June 28, the party continued to criticize Yoo's remarks regarding President Lee. During a youth workshop in Gwangju, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok addressed the controversy, stating, "We must continue our efforts to protect the democratic forces and expand our reach. It is essential for the Democratic Party, which has played a significant role in changing the political landscape of Korea, to create a framework that aligns with the continuity of governance."
Previously, on June 27, Kim had pointed out that some criticisms of the president stem from an "excessive confidence" in claiming credit for the type of president he would create, emphasizing the need for moderation in attitude and mindset. He reiterated his stance against Yoo's expansion theory.
Jung Jin-wook, a key member of the pro-Lee faction, took to Facebook to assert, "Yoo's approach distorts public sentiment and fosters division. His so-called 'ABC theory' raises the question of what era's human discernment he is employing."
Park Hong-geun, Minister of the Planning and Budget Office and a four-term lawmaker, also expressed his views on Facebook, stating, "President Lee is not about reconstruction or expansion; he is our frontier," urging unity as far-right elements attempt to infiltrate the party.
Yoo made his comments on June 26 during an appearance on the YouTube channel "Kim Eo-jun's Das Baeida," where he claimed, "The people who fervently supported President Lee during his rise wanted expansion. It was acceptable to add another floor to a three-story house leaning toward the moderate and conservative side. However, it seems the president wanted to undertake reconstruction."
Following the release of his remarks, some Democratic lawmakers actively refuted Yoo's claims. With speculation that Yoo may support former leader Jeong Cheong-rae in the upcoming convention, the pro-Lee faction is increasingly mobilizing to counter his influence, heightening tensions within the party.
On June 27, lawmaker Chae Hyun-il acknowledged Yoo's "piercing critique" but expressed disagreement, stating, "To belittle President Lee as 'overconfident' is truly insulting."
Similarly, Song Young-gil, after completing a trip to the U.S. as a special envoy for National Assembly Speaker Chung Sye-kyun, commented on Yoo's assertion that the decline in President Lee's approval ratings was due to attacks on the core support base of the Democratic camp. He emphasized, "In difficult times, the core supporters must remain steadfast and unite to protect the president."
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.