Democratic Party candidates Jeong Cheong-rae and Kim Min-seok engaged in a heated debate on August 8 over allegations regarding Shincheonji membership and the potential merger with the Justice Party. Jeong intensified his attacks by referencing the 2002 controversy surrounding former President Roh Moo-hyun and candidate Chung Mong-joon, stating, "Once betrayed, betrayal will happen again."
As the party's primary enters its second week, the candidates held a joint speech event at the Heritage Jeju in Jeju City.
Kim, who spoke first, emphasized the need for a democratic deliberation process regarding the merger with the Justice Party. He stated that discussions would occur after normalizing party membership issues, including dual memberships and ghost members. "I don’t know the conclusion, but one thing is clear: this will not be a bombshell announcement that derails discussions; it will follow a democratic deliberation process," he said.
Acknowledging the escalating tensions surrounding the party convention, Kim added, "Once the convention concludes, I will begin efforts to resolve all internal conflicts. I will evaluate party members solely based on their capabilities."
Jeong continued his aggressive stance against Kim, questioning his commitment to party unity and raising the issue of Shincheonji allegations. He asked, "Was betraying former President Roh a dedication to unification?" He criticized Kim for blaming the party's defeat in the last local elections on President Lee Jae-myung and now attacking Jeong. "He should reflect on his past and adopt a humble attitude," Jeong asserted.
Jeong also warned that he would initiate an ethical investigation into Kim following his election as party leader, stating, "If you attack the party and cause harm to its members, shouldn’t you at least apologize? I will announce an ethical investigation into Kim as my first action as party leader."
Meanwhile, Song Young-gil remarked, "There has never been a history of re-election for party leaders in the Democratic Party," while asserting that he is the right person to support President Lee. He questioned Jeong's candidacy, noting, "In the Democratic Party's tradition, there is no re-election for party leaders. Figures like Choo Mi-ae, who led the party to victory in the presidential and local elections, and Lee Hae-chan, who achieved a landslide victory in the general elections, did not seek re-election either."
Song outlined three conditions for becoming party leader under President Lee's administration: "You must be someone who can withstand pressure without shaking the president, work for the government's success, and be a partner in national affairs—all of which apply to me, Song Young-gil."
As the candidates prepare for the upcoming primary in Honam, a traditional stronghold for the Democratic Party, they are also focusing on appealing to the region's voters. Kim stated, "Just as Gwangju and Jeonnam have transformed into a sacred place for democracy, Jeju must also overcome its history of April 3 and become a site for new beginnings."
Jeong highlighted his past efforts to support the Honam region during his tenure as party leader, emphasizing the need for speed in developing the southwestern semiconductor cluster. "Isn’t speed my forte?" he asserted.
Song also reflected on his experiences, stating, "Having faced the pain of May 18 in Gwangju as a high school student, I stand here in Jeju, a place that has risen from the pain of April 3 to become a peaceful island. I remember the history of Gwangju and Jeju, where voices were silenced due to state violence and discrimination."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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