The Democratic Party of Korea is facing heightened internal conflict as it approaches the delegate voting for its convention scheduled for August. Candidates Kim Min-seok and Song Young-gil have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with Jeong Cheong-rae's leadership over the past year, while Jeong has repeatedly referenced the Shincheonji controversy in his defense.
On July 27, the candidates continued their sharp exchanges, particularly as the voting for party delegates is set to begin on July 28, intensifying factional disputes.
During a visit to Cheongju in North Chungcheong Province, Kim emphasized his suitability to end the conflict between the party and the government, appealing for support from party members. He stated at a meeting with party delegates, "We must end the clashes between the party and the government and break the ties with the anti-Myeong leadership. The anti-Myeong leadership cannot continue." He directly criticized Jeong, asserting that claims of Shincheonji's involvement leading the party to become unconstitutional are fallacious, likening it to typical rhetoric from the People Power Party.
Song also held a press conference at the Chungnam Provincial Office, questioning Jeong's accountability for the losses in the June 3 local elections and the recent by-elections. He remarked, "While it may appear as a victory on paper, the prevailing sentiment is that it fell short of expectations. President Lee Jae-myung has repeatedly indicated differences in perception with Jeong, yet Jeong claims there are no issues with the party's internal conflicts." He predicted that if Jeong succeeds in securing re-election as party leader after the convention, it would lead to a lame-duck presidency for Lee.
In contrast, Jeong has been actively engaging with party members, holding a talk concert in North Chungcheong Province and communicating through Facebook. He encouraged party members, stating, "Show the sentiment of Chungcheong starting tomorrow," while also urging them to judge the Shincheonji situation, which he claims is harming the party and its members.
Meanwhile, during the Supreme Council meeting, tensions between the pro-Cheong and pro-Seok factions were evident. Pro-Seok member Hwang Myeong-seon expressed confidence that party members would choose a perfect partner to work alongside President Lee, emphasizing the need for the party leader to defend the president against political attacks. Another pro-Seok member, Kang Deuk-gu, criticized those who remain silent about doubts regarding the president's inevitable failures and the will for prosecutorial reform, insisting that the president's achievements should not be overshadowed by internal party politics.
In response, pro-Cheong member Moon Jeong-bok demanded an immediate clarification from Kim regarding the allegations of Shincheonji's involvement, stating, "Party members are being labeled as Shincheonji followers, and the party is being accused of organizational interference by Shincheonji." Pro-Cheong member Park Gyu-hwan cautioned against labeling the party as anti-Lee, questioning whether those who have received endorsements from pro-Lee factions plan to establish separate factions after the convention.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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