KOR
▲ Former Democratic Party of Korea Representative Jung Chung-rae
Jung Chung-rae, a former representative and current contender for the leadership of the Democratic Party of Korea, appeared on a YouTube channel hosted by Kim Ou-joon, a broadcaster with significant influence within the pan-ruling party bloc, and stated, "Those who divide the traditional support base should not become the mainstream."
On this day (July 14), Jung said on the program 'Humility Is Hard, News Factory,' "The Democratic Party is a single-root community that continues from Presidents Kim Dae-jung, Roh Moo-hyun, Moon Jae-in, and Lee Jae-myung, but at some point, suspicions began to arise that some were trying to cut those roots."
Jung emphasized, "To unite the traditional core support base in one place, someone must play a role based on the single-root spirit, and that right person is Jung Chung-rae."
Regarding the June 3 Pyeongtaek-eul parliamentary by-election, which ended in a victory for the People Power Party due to the fragmentation of candidates within the pan-ruling bloc, Jung said, "Looking back, I have come to think that it would have been right not to field a candidate (from the Democratic Party) at that time." However, he added, "If we had done that (not fielding a candidate), there would have been tremendous criticism, attacks, chaos, and division, with people claiming it was 'an attempt to foster Cho Kuk' or that it was about the revival of the pro-Moon (pro-Moon Jae-in) faction."
Regarding criticism from other leadership contenders about his proposal to merge with the Rebuilding Korea Party early this year, which fell through due to internal backlash, he acknowledged that "(the process) was rough," but added, "I still think it was something that had to be done somehow."
Furthermore, regarding leadership rival Kim Min-seok’s mention of 'absorption' as a method for integration with the Rebuilding Korea Party, Jung pointed out, "It is like saying 'let's shake hands' while demanding the other person kneel down to do so," adding, "It is best to avoid hurting the other party's feelings."
Jung remained cautious regarding the so-called 'August integration convention' allegations, which suggest that while Representative Lee Jae-myung supported the plan to hold a joint convention with the Rebuilding Korea Party, Kim Min-seok caused the plan to collapse.
This suspicion arose after Supreme Council member Kang Deuk-gu, who is close to Kim Min-seok, posted and then deleted a message on social media claiming he had met with Hong Ik-pyo.
Regarding this, Jung stated, "I was also present (at the meeting between Supreme Council member Kang and Hong). I know the content of the conversation that took place," but added, "There are things that must be taken to the grave. As someone who has served as party leader, it does not seem appropriate to disclose such things just because it might be advantageous to me."
Regarding the meaning behind his remark during his candidacy announcement the previous day that he "would not run for president using the party leadership position," Jung explained, "If I serve as party leader for two years (if elected), any action I take will likely be attacked as a presidential campaign move or a build-up for the presidential election. I thought I needed to block that."
He added, "I thought about the advice (from those around me) that it would be better to declare it in advance if I have no intention of running for president, and I came to the conclusion that they were right."
Regarding cautious views within some parts of the party concerning the abolition of supplementary investigation rights, he said, "We must move forward boldly like a lion that is not startled by the sound of the wind," adding, "There may be some wavering lawmakers, but that is not the general trend."
(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.
