Scream-World 'Presidential Hopefuls' Gathered... "No Diversity Means No Future for the Democratic Party"

Kim Boo-kyum: "'Subak' is a word of sacrifice and wounds... Please refrain from using it"
Kim Doo-kwan: "We must achieve the 7th Republic through constitutional amendment"
Yang Ki-dae: "Respect diverse opinions and achieve democratic integration"
Kim Dong-yeon: "Proper regime change comes with impeachment"

Anti-Lee Jae-myung (Bi-Lee Jae-myung) faction presidential hopefuls gathered in one place ahead of the early presidential election to advocate for restoring diversity within the party. They emphasized that to achieve a regime change, it is necessary to embrace not only pro-Lee Jae-myung (Pro-Lee Jae-myung) and anti-Lee factions but also rational conservatives.

Key figures from the anti-Lee faction, including former Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum, former Governor of Gyeongnam Kim Doo-kwan, and former lawmakers Yang Ki-dae and Park Yong-jin, held the founding ceremony of the solidarity platform "Hope and Alternative Forum" on the afternoon of the 18th at the Gwangmyeong Station Convention Wedding Hall in Iljik-dong, Gwangmyeong-si, Gyeonggi-do. Governor Kim Dong-yeon of Gyeonggi Province and Hwang Un-ha, floor leader of the Innovation Party for Justice, sent video congratulatory messages due to scheduling conflicts. Also in attendance were former Democratic Party floor leader Park Kwang-on and former lawmakers Jeon Hye-sook, Kim Cheol-min, Shin Dong-geun, Song Gap-seok, Yoon Young-chan, Ki Dong-min, and Park Young-soon.

Yonhap News

Kim Boo-kyum: "‘Subak’ is a word of sacrifice and wounds... Please refrain from using it"

At the founding ceremony, former Prime Minister Kim stated, "The Democratic Party of Korea, which has lost diversity, democracy, and inclusiveness, has no future," and emphasized, "To realize politics of solidarity, politics of integration and coexistence are important." He added, "We must humbly accept the criticism that diversity is not recognized within the Democratic Party and reestablish the values of humility and inclusiveness, which are the party’s core values. How can we talk about fairness to the people when we exclude those with different opinions and engage in division?"

He further said, "The word ‘Subak’ symbolizes sacrifice, wounds, and blood in our national history. Considering the many citizens who have sacrificed, I earnestly ask that this term not be used." The term ‘Subak’ is a derogatory label used by Lee Jae-myung’s ardent supporters to despise the anti-Lee faction.

Kim also criticized the Democratic Party’s inadequate response following President Yoon Seok-youl’s impeachment. He said, "While the root cause of the situation lies with Yoon Seok-youl and his forces who schemed illegal martial law and rebellion, the Democratic Party’s handling of the aftermath has caused considerable disappointment among citizens who hoped the party would act more maturely and responsibly for the nation."

Yonhap News

Kim Doo-kwan: "We must achieve the 7th Republic through constitutional amendment"

Former Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Doo-kwan emphasized the need for a constitutional amendment to transfer central government powers to local governments. Kim said, "The ‘Hope and Alternative’ core should form a ‘coalition for impeachment and constitutional amendment’ to achieve the 7th Republic through a constitutional amendment that will determine the fate of South Korea for the next 50 to 100 years." He added, "To overcome the five-year single-term presidency, power must be devolved to local governments to prevent their extinction."

He also stated, "In a situation where politics fails to play any role, the hardline conservative faction defending those who violate the constitution is consolidating, leading to political division and confrontation that has reached a psychological civil war. We must unite the forces defending the constitution to complete impeachment according to law and procedure, stabilize the divided and torn hearts of the people, and launch a new Korea."

Kim stressed, "Only with a major decision to embrace not only the pro-Lee and anti-Lee factions within the party but also rational conservative forces can we win the early presidential election and normalize South Korea. I reiterate that we must overcome the harms and contradictions revealed by the five-year single-term presidential system, which cannot be neglected in the task of establishing a democratic government by winning the early election."

Yonhap News

Yang Ki-dae: "Respect diverse opinions and achieve democratic integration"

Yang Ki-dae, chairman of the Hope and Alternative Forum and former Democratic Party lawmaker, said, "Political leaders must boldly take the lead with a resolve of life-or-death determination," and emphasized, "The Democratic Party, as the main opposition party, must do its utmost to meet the current national aspirations."

Yang said, "To regain the trust of the people, the Democratic Party must be true to itself. The party’s strength lies not in a single leader but in being a democratic party created by the people. We must respect diverse opinions and achieve democratic integration."

He added, "We must willingly embrace the harsh criticisms for regime change coming from both inside and outside the Democratic Party and create a bigger and broader Democratic Party through healthy debate. If an early presidential election is held, I believe a candidate who moves the people through democratic procedures acceptable to all and makes party members proud must be elected."

Yonhap News

Kim Dong-yeon: "Proper regime change comes with impeachment"

In a video congratulatory message, Governor Kim Dong-yeon of Gyeonggi Province said, "We stand before the crucial task of creating a new Republic of Korea. The first step is proper regime change," and emphasized, "Proper regime change can only be completed with impeachment, various political forces, diverse voices, and the power of awakened citizens."

Former lawmaker Park Yong-jin raised his voice, saying, "We must shake off the dust from our hands and knees and stand up. By standing up like this, we will break the wrong flow of the impeachment crisis and pledge together here at Gwangmyeong Station to lead South Korea toward a brighter path of light."

Yonhap News