Amid 'Reconstruction' Debate, Jung Chung-rae Calls for 'Pan-Progressive Unity' While Kim Min-seok Urges 'Expanding the Playing Field'

As the so-called reconstruction theory proposed by liberal commentator Rhyu Si-min continues to stir controversy within the Democratic Party, a debate over the party's future direction is intensifying among potential candidates for the August 17 national convention.

In particular, former representative Jung Chung-rae and Prime Minister Kim Min-seok showed subtle differences in their stances regarding Rhyu's argument, leading to a delicate war of nerves.

While Jung focused on the unity of pan-progressive forces and refrained from directly criticizing Rhyu, Prime Minister Kim emphasized that expanding the party's reach is part of the Democratic Party's history, effectively targeting Rhyu's position.

After attending a workshop for youth winners of the June 3 local elections in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province, on Sunday afternoon, Jung met with reporters and said regarding Rhyu's argument, "For now, we should refrain from speaking too much. I will leave it to those who watch and listen to judge for themselves."

He continued, "At times like this, we must remember the history of the Democratic Party, which has evolved into a democratic, national party through unity and solidarity. Now is the time to prioritize unity within our own ranks."

He further emphasized, "Excluding those forces that defend insurrection and advocate for a 'Yoon Again' scenario, we must contemplate and discuss unity and solidarity to regain power. As we saw in the June 3 local elections, we won when we were united and lost when we were divided."

When asked if he was referring to solidarity including a potential merger with the Rebuilding Korea Party, he replied, "With the general and presidential elections approaching, shouldn't we merge where necessary and form solidarity where appropriate?"

In contrast, Prime Minister Kim, who attended the same workshop, told reporters, "Efforts to protect the center of democratic forces and expand our reach have been pursued by every president since Kim Dae-jung, and this must continue." This was seen as an indirect criticism of Rhyu.

When asked about the debate over whether the party's core support base is drifting away, Kim responded, "Doesn't the core support base refer to those who consistently support the democratic camp so that it can succeed in the big picture? I do not think there is a change in support."

Furthermore, Kim stated, "A major innovation of the Democratic Party is needed. Based on becoming a policy-oriented party and a party where members hold sovereignty, we need new topics such as a culture of dignity and youth issues. I believe it would be good to attempt bold youth cooperation in researching and promoting youth policies."

He added, "The party should also deepen its youth policies and engage in dialogue with young people who hold various progressive and conservative colors. I will find ways to reflect such methods in the party."

The two also revealed differences in their perspectives during their congratulatory speeches at the workshop.

Prime Minister Kim, who spoke first, emphasized, "While clearly maintaining our reform DNA, we must change the playing field much more broadly and boldly to consistently win and win again. It is the party's task to create a playing field where we unite if we are the same, form solidarity if we are different, and expand if we are narrow." Jung, who spoke next, said, "Do not forget that we have a mission to further bloom the history of Lee Jae-myung, using the history of Kim Dae-jung, Roh Moo-hyun, and Moon Jae-in as nourishment." He added, "There may be talented or less talented seniors and juniors, but we are here with one purpose: to regain power and ensure the success of the Lee Jae-myung administration."

Meanwhile, another potential party leadership candidate, Representative Song Young-gil, also joined the war of nerves.

At a town hall meeting with party members in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, on Sunday, Song said, "The Democratic Party is playing on too narrow a field. Even in soccer, if you play on a narrow field, you cannot make creative plays and you end up losing."

Regarding Jung's stance on the full abolition of supplementary investigation rights, Song pointed out, "It is an exaggeration to act as if the country will collapse if this is not done. If we lose power because of this, everything will be restored to its original state."

He raised his voice, saying, "We should persuade the president with sincerity; what kind of ruling party representative uses this as a weapon to attack the president? They say the president is attacking the party and interfering in party affairs, but do they really know what they are talking about?"

He concluded by stating, "I will never tolerate the privatization of the Democratic Party, which has a blood-stained history," and citing the late former President Roh Moo-hyun, urged, "Let us protect our president so that he never collapses again due to our internal divisions."
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.