Jeong Dong-yeong "Ahn Cheol-soo must apologize to Honam... Anti-Moon alliance is not the way"

"General Election, Will Collaborate with Bareunmiraedang Faction, Justice Party, and Alternative New Party"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] Jeong Dong-young, leader of the Party for Democracy and Peace, said that former People's Party leader Ahn Cheol-soo "needs to offer a sincere apology for turning his back on Honam." He also hinted that he would work together with the pro-party faction of the Bareunmirae Party, the Justice Party, and the Alternative New Party regarding the future general election landscape.

On the morning of the 22nd, Jeong appeared on TBS Radio and responded to the question, "Is it possible for the Party for Democracy and Peace to work with former People's Party leader Ahn Cheol-soo?" by saying, "It seems that former leader Ahn intends to join the anti-Moon alliance, but that is not the path for the Party for Democracy and Peace."

When asked, "As soon as former leader Ahn returned to Korea, he went to Honam to greet people, and it seems he intends to operate again based on Honam," Jeong bluntly replied, "I don't think that will work. I believe he must first offer a sincere apology."

Jeong said, "He turned his back on the choice of the people and the choice of Honam four years ago," adding, "He said he apologized verbally, but he must apologize honestly." He continued, "The division of the People's Party was not due to the people's demands but personal calculations," emphasizing, "To be recognized for sincerity, a clear and honest apology is necessary for betraying the people's choice and the endorsement to pursue a multiparty system."

He also pointed out that former leader Ahn has not taken a clear stance on the electoral reform led by the Party for Democracy and Peace. Jeong said, "The Party for Democracy and Peace chose and took the lead in the 4+1 negotiation group (Democratic Party, Bareunmirae Party, Justice Party + Alternative New Party) for electoral reform," adding, "Former leader Ahn seems to have an ambiguous position regarding electoral reform."

Regarding the Party for Democracy and Peace's future course in the general election landscape, he said, "The reformist group must grow in the 21st National Assembly," and added, "The Party for Democracy and Peace will keep the path of reform coalition open but will work with forces that can maintain the center."

He continued, "Actions are more important than people," stating, "The pro-party faction of Bareunmirae Party led by Son Hak-gyu, the Justice Party, Bareunmirae Party, and the Party for Democracy and Peace have completed electoral reform." He added, "We will work together with the reform coalition that has been involved in electoral reform," and said, "Those currently in the Alternative New Party or Bareunmirae Party originally shared the same table. We are open."