Park Wan-joo "Respecting Opponents is What Makes the Democratic Party Democratic"... A Sharp Remark Targeting Hardline Party Members

Pro-Moon Hardline Party Member Sends Texts to Pro-Government Community Saying "Let's Nominate Yun Ho-jung"
Park Wan-joo: "Healthy Freedom of Expression Must Be Guaranteed... But It Should Not Feel Like Excessive Pressure"

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] Park Wan-joo, a member of the Democratic Party running for floor leader, shared a post on Facebook on the 15th written by a hardline party member who does not support him, saying, "Respecting the opponent is what makes the Democratic Party the Democratic Party," delivering a sharp rebuke.

With the new leadership election approaching, the party is divided into 'Pro-Moon Jae-in (Chinmun) vs. non-mainstream and some first-term members,' showing differing opinions on certain issues, drawing attention to the background of such remarks.

Park Wan-joo, the candidate for the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is delivering a keynote speech at the joint debate for the 2nd floor leader candidates of the Democratic Party of Korea held at the central party office in Yeouido, Seoul on the 13th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

On that day, Rep. Park shared a post from a community board with a strong Pro-Moon inclination on Facebook. The author of the post revealed the phone numbers of Democratic Party lawmakers and wrote, "I cannot stand seeing Park Wan-joo become floor leader. Please send text messages to Democratic Party lawmakers urging them to nominate Rep. Yoon Ho-jung as floor leader." He added, "If Park Wan-joo becomes floor leader, it means the Democratic Party is kneeling before the prosecution," and "We must not let him become floor leader."

Since this floor leader election is a two-person race between Yoon Ho-jung and Park Wan-joo, some view it as a battle between 'Pro-Moon' and 'non-mainstream or anti-Pro-Moon.' Rep. Yoon is considered a representative Pro-Moon figure, while Rep. Park has a relatively weaker Pro-Moon color. In particular, Rep. Park has taken the stance that the so-called 'Cho Kuk incident' should not be taboo and that various voices within the party should be gathered, which differs from the approach of hardline Pro-Moon party members on this issue.

Sharing such a post, Rep. Park pointed out, "Healthy freedom of expression must be guaranteed. However, it should not be felt as excessive pressure on the opponent." He emphasized, "Respecting the opponent is what makes the Democratic Party the Democratic Party."

Some hardline party members have criticized non-mainstream and some first-term lawmakers as 'not being Democratic Party-like' and 'ungrateful.'

Especially regarding first-term lawmakers issuing a reflection letter about the 'Cho Kuk incident' and the party's response, hardline Pro-Moon party members strongly opposed them by sending text message bombings. Five first-term lawmakers who openly mentioned former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk were labeled as the 'First-term Five Traitors' and harshly criticized.

Subsequently, the tone of the reasons for the April 7 by-election defeat and party reform plans presented by second- and third-term lawmakers became much milder, with no mention of former Minister Cho at all.

However, there is self-reflection within the party that diverse opinions are not being expressed due to the voices of a small number of hardline party members.

Rep. Cho Eung-cheon pointed out on Facebook the day before, "Is there really any movement for change and reform in our party?" and said, "Lawmakers with weak endurance against (text message bombings, etc.) are becoming increasingly reluctant to speak."