▲ Prime Minister Kim Min-seok (left), former Democratic Party leader Jung Chung-rae, and former Democratic Party leader Song Young-gil
The race for the leadership of the Democratic Party of Korea is intensifying, with a fierce debate emerging over who holds the true legitimacy of the party.
Amid deepening ideological divisions sparked by the so-called reconstruction theory proposed by liberal commentator Rhyu Si-min, candidates are now clashing directly over who has been the true guardian of the party's history.
During a radio interview on KBS today (June 29), Representative Song Young-gil responded to a host's comment that former leader Jung Chung-rae has been emphasizing his identity as being pro-Roh (Roh Moo-hyun) and pro-Moon (Moon Jae-in). Song claimed, "Jung cannot possibly do that," adding, "He completely turned his back on President Roh Moo-hyun and could not even attend his funeral."
Song continued, "If we are to discuss legitimacy, others might be able to, but at the very least, Jung cannot," and added, "We all share the responsibility for failing to protect President Roh Moo-hyun."
Jung immediately refuted the claim.
In a post on Facebook, Jung stated, "(Song's) claim is 100 percent false. I ask that you apologize," and questioned, "Must it come to this?"
Jung has been consistently highlighting his background as a member of 'Nosamo' (a group of people who love Roh Moo-hyun).
Following his resignation from the party leadership to run for another term, his first public engagement was to visit and meet with former President Moon Jae-in, who was attending the Seoul International Book Fair.
Within the party, this move was interpreted as being aimed at his competitor, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok.
Analysts suggested this was a strategic move to remind people that Kim was a key figure in the so-called 'Hudanhyup incident'—an internal party conflict in 2002 triggered by calls for a single candidacy between Roh Moo-hyun and Chung Mong-joon during the presidential election.
Consequently, Song's remarks today were interpreted as a counterattack against Jung, as Song has formed a coalition with the Prime Minister.
Five-term lawmaker Park Jie-won also weighed in during an SBS radio interview, stating, "Is Jung the only one with legitimacy? In my view, Prime Minister Kim is more legitimate."
Park reminded listeners that Kim entered politics after being recruited by the late former President Kim Dae-jung.
Park, a key figure in the former DJ (Kim Dae-jung) faction, maintains close ties with the Prime Minister.
Concerns are growing within the party regarding the nature of this debate.
Critics argue that if the national convention devolves into digging up past records rather than productive discussions on the party's future direction and policies, it will only result in self-destruction.
Meanwhile, the dispute between Jung and the Prime Minister over investigative authority appears to be turning into a battle over the truth.
Pro-Jung factions have been vocal in their criticism after the Prime Minister stated that he had proposed a prosecution reform plan in May, but it was delayed due to opposition from the party.
During a supreme council meeting today, Supreme Council member Moon Jeong-bok addressed the Prime Minister, saying, "If such a proposal existed, you must clearly state when, to whom, and in what content it was delivered." She added, "If you claim the party blocked it without ever actually delivering it, you must take responsibility for shaking the party with falsehoods."
She also criticized the government's stance on not submitting a plan regarding supplementary investigative authority, stating, "It is not a responsible attitude to say the party should handle it now, after failing to produce proper results for a year."
Supreme Council member Lee Sung-yoon also remarked, "Prime Minister Kim claims he proposed a prosecution reform plan in May that neither the Democratic Party leader nor the floor leader received." He added, "The truth is self-evident. The public will judge it well."
In relation to this, the Prime Minister stated yesterday, "I understand that it was delivered to the party leadership," and added, "It is a proposal that everyone within the ruling circle is aware of."
(Photo: Yonhap News)
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