Jung Bong-ju Emphasizes 'Third Way'... Growing Support for Proportional Representation Parties

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jin-young] As the April 15 general election approaches, a crisis theory that the Democratic Party of Korea should prepare a proportional representation party is emerging both inside and outside the party, signaling the spread of controversy. With the introduction of the mixed-member proportional representation system reducing the number of proportional seats the Democratic Party can secure, there are concerns that the party could fall behind. The United Future Party is expanding its influence by founding a proportional representation party called 'Mirae Korea Party.'

Among progressive figures, the roles of former lawmaker Jeong Bong-ju and independent lawmaker Son Hye-won, so-called 'speakers,' are also gaining traction. On the 25th, former lawmaker Jeong stated on his Facebook, "I will soon have time to propose the 'Third-(Minus)1 Way.'" He emphasized, "Shouldn't we show at least once that politics is about giving hope to the people?" and added, "I want to show that the 'Third Way' could be hope."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

As former lawmaker Jeong mentioned the 'Third Way' and 'Third-1 Way,' some interpret this as a hint toward running as an independent or founding a proportional representation party. However, considering that he emphasized, "I am a lifelong member of the Democratic Party," the likelihood leans more toward choosing a proportional representation party over running as an independent. Previously, when lawyer Kim Nam-guk's candidacy became controversial, he hinted at a different approach to the general election by saying, "The party inevitably pushes my next step forward," and "The election is like falling into a black hole, and I am going into a wormhole."

The momentum seems to be blowing outside the ruling party as well. On the morning of the same day, Lee Jun-seok, Supreme Council member of the United Future Party, appeared on a radio show and said, "In the ruling party, there are people who speak frequently and loudly, notably former lawmaker Jeong and lawmaker Son, who may serve as focal points," and predicted, "I think the ruling party will actively discuss this as well."

Former Dongyang University professor Jin Joong-kwon criticized this by saying, "Regarding the satellite party that lawmaker Son initiated, former lawmaker Jeong's name is being mentioned," and added, "The dangers of the Democratic Party's fandom politics are beginning to surface."

The Democratic Party has officially ruled out founding a satellite party. However, they seem reluctant to stop the pro-government camp from doing so. Floor leader Lee In-young said to reporters, "Can we do anything about the volunteers emerging here and there?" leaving the possibility open.

Lawmaker Min Byung-doo also expressed expectations for voluntary founding, saying, "It is imaginable that the 'Minbyeongdae,' who cannot let the broad conservative coalition take the number one party in the National Assembly, would create a proportional representation party. We are watching to see if it is organized through voluntary discussions among citizens."

Earlier, lawmaker Son and former Blue House National Situation Room chief Yoon Gun-young brought the discussion of founding a proportional representation party to the forefront. Former chief Yoon said, "In the long term, I believe principled politics will defeat trick politics, but there is concern that public sentiment could be distorted in this election," and added, "If such an emergency situation occurs, we must keep all possibilities open and make judgments." Lawmaker Son also stated, "I think we should create a proportional representation party elected by citizens. I plan to gather opinions with related people and consider it positively."