[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] There is a disagreement within the Democratic Party of Korea regarding the conservative civic group's announced "drive-thru rally" for National Foundation Day. While the Democratic Party leadership holds the position that the National Foundation Day rally itself is illegal, Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung has sparked controversy by stating, "If it is a political expression, it should be allowed."
On the 23rd, Governor Lee appeared on CBS Radio and responded to conservative calls for a "drive-thru" style rally in Gwanghwamun by saying, "If it is a political expression that does not interfere with quarantine measures, it should be permitted." He added, "There can be various forms of rallies," and "If it is a method that minimizes infection or poses no risk, there is no need to block the freedom of assembly and expression."
The argument for allowing drive-thru rallies was first raised by the People Power Party. On the previous day, Joo Ho-young, the floor leader of the People Power Party, said to reporters, "If it does not interfere with quarantine or traffic, it is a constitutional right," and asked, "If it does not violate traffic laws or obstruct quarantine, how can it be stopped?"
On the other hand, the Democratic Party leadership has stated that even "drive-thru" style rallies cannot be permitted. Kim Tae-nyeon, the floor leader of the Democratic Party, said at a high-level party-government meeting held at the National Assembly that morning, "Illegal urban rallies are anti-social acts and must be completely blocked by mobilizing all public authority." A bill that prohibits rallies and demonstrations in disaster situations has also been proposed. On the 24th, Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Won-wook, who proposed the bill, appeared on YTN Radio in the morning and argued, "Drive-thru means doing some activity or receiving services while passing by in a car," and insisted, "It must be stopped." He emphasized, "Stopping it firmly through public authority is the way to alleviate public anxiety."
This discord between the Democratic Party and Governor Lee is not the first. When the party and government announced policies on the second disaster relief fund payment, such as "selective payment" and "uniform payment of 20,000 won for communication fees," Governor Lee publicly criticized them. Within the Democratic Party, there is debate over whether Governor Lee's remarks should be regarded as "statements of conviction." A Democratic Party official said, "As a presidential candidate, he is seen as continuing to make statements of conviction, but he is continuously vetoing situations that the party is pushing as its official stance." Another official expressed concern, saying, "He is repeating the same content as the People Power Party's claims."
Meanwhile, the government has reaffirmed its position that it will not allow drive-thru rallies. Prime Minister Chung said at the high-level party-government meeting that morning, "The government has clearly stated that it will never tolerate the National Foundation Day rally in Gwanghwamun," and added, "Under no circumstances or by any modified method will the Gwanghwamun rally be tolerated." The police have also stated that "drive-thru" style rallies and demonstrations are subject to notification requirements.
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