Party Member Board Ryu Ho-jeong Summons Petition
Sim Sang-jung Apology Withdrawal Demand Petition
Subtle Temperature Differences Among Democratic Party Leadership Candidates
[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jin-young] The aftermath of the condolence conflict over the late former Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon seems to be spreading continuously to the Justice Party and the Democratic Party of Korea. The Justice Party, which showed different views within the party, escalated the conflict with the emergence of a 'counter-signature,' while the Democratic Party's leadership candidates showed varying degrees of vocalization.
On the 15th, a joint signature demanding the recall of Assemblywoman Ryu Ho-jeong was posted on the Justice Party's member bulletin board. The signature urged participation, stating, "As seen in the recent controversy over former Mayor Park's condolence, Assemblywoman Ryu's sudden remarks have gone too far." A member recall can be initiated if the party's authority and honor are seriously damaged, requiring signatures from 10% of party members to hold a party-wide vote. Depending on the vote results, the party can recommend resignation, and if refused, expulsion can be ordered. However, a Justice Party official said, "It will be practically difficult to gather even 3,000 signatures, which is 10%. It is unlikely to be considered a violation of the party's constitution and regulations."
Sim Sang-jung, leader of the Justice Party, is entering the funeral hall set up for the late Park Won-soon, Mayor of Seoul, at Seoul National University Hospital in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 10th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@
In response, a counter-signature campaign also began immediately. This signature demands the withdrawal of Justice Party leader Sim Sang-jung's refusal to pay condolences. Started mainly by the Justice Party's feminist group, the signature states, "Are you claiming that solidarity with the victim hurt the feelings of mourning?" and demands the apology be withdrawn. In response, Leader Sim made explanatory calls to some activists, saying, "There are distorted and exaggerated parts regarding the apology."
The Justice Party has broadly addressed labor and gender issues as a progressive opposition party. However, it appears as a conflict between groups interested in gender issues and those less interested within its supporters. Some interpret this not as a simple internal party conflict but as a point of change. A key Justice Party official explained in a phone interview with Asia Economy, "Rather than an internal party conflict, shouldn't this be seen as an extension of the process of normalizing Korean society?" and added, "We see this as a phenomenon occurring in the process of normalizing awareness of a male-centered society."
The Democratic Party is influenced by the upcoming August party convention. Former Assemblyman Kim Boo-kyum and Assemblyman Lee Nak-yeon, who are running for party leadership, showed subtle differences in their responses to this incident. Before Representative Lee Hae-chan's official apology on the 15th, former Assemblyman Kim quickly responded, saying, "An objective investigation is necessary." However, Assemblyman Lee did not express his position until the party leadership issued an official apology, after which he said, "I apologize to the victim and the public," drawing criticism for 'waiting and watching.'
Furthermore, former Assemblyman Kim took a pragmatic stance by proposing to field candidates in the Seoul and Busan mayoral by-elections, effectively making a 'first move' to seize the issue. Assemblyman Lee has maintained a cautious attitude without any particular remarks. As the two candidates show contrasting attitudes in response to the former Mayor Park incident, there are also forecasts that the party convention will be affected.
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