Jung Cheong-rae, a candidate for the leadership of the Democratic Party, criticized fellow candidates Kim Min-seok and Song Young-gil for blaming him for the results of the June 3 local elections and for suggesting that President Lee Jae-myung dislikes him. He called them "experts in blaming others" and urged them to refrain from making inappropriate comments. Jung also expressed his willingness to embrace Kim if he becomes party leader.
On August 11, Jung appeared on the YouTube channel "Kim Eo-jun's Humble News Factory" to respond to claims made by Kim and Song that the local election defeat was due to Jung's capabilities and that President Lee is reluctant to work with him.
Jung stated, "Four years ago, during the local election defeat, Kim also attacked President Lee. Despite the achievements in the recent local elections, he continues to criticize me. I believe Kim is a habitual blame expert."
Addressing Song's assertion that President Lee dislikes him, Jung said, "I am the person who has spoken with President Lee the most. While we may have different views, Song's comments are highly inappropriate. I ask him to refrain from such remarks."
Jung also promised to improve relations with Kim, stating, "I am not petty. I have always engaged in broad-minded politics and have not mixed personal feelings with my political actions. If I become party leader, I will embrace Kim in the spirit of unity and for the greater good of the party."
However, regarding Kim's allegations of a connection to the Shincheonji cult, Jung acknowledged that measures must be taken at the party level to address these concerns.
Additionally, with the Democratic Party's primary election set to take place in Honam, a stronghold for the party, on August 15, Jung is focusing on winning over local party members. He stated, "I will uphold my loyalty to President Lee, and I ask party members to support Jung Cheong-rae. I will become a more powerful reformist leader to meet the expectations of the people in Honam."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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