2030 "Why is the Motherland So Important?" Ruling Party's 'Moonppa' Dilemma [Han Seung-gon's Political Notebook]

Democratic Party First-Term Lawmaker Reflects on 'Cho Kuk Incident'
Some Hardline Supporters Demand Resignation with Harsh Insults
"Ungrateful XX", "How Dare a First-Term Know Anything", "How Can You Mention Cho Kuk"
2030 Generation Questions, "Democratic Party's Sudden Apology Is More Annoying... Is Cho Kuk Really That Important?"

Former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] "Why doesn't the Democratic Party reflect on itself?", "What does pro-Moon and anti-Moon even mean?", "Is Cho Kuk really that important?"

Following the Democratic Party's crushing defeat in the April 7 by-elections, the party has begun a reform process. The goal is to analyze the causes of defeat and reorganize so that they can win the upcoming presidential election. This is typically a formal process that a party goes through after losing an election. However, the Democratic Party's reform efforts are currently being shaken to the core.

Some are even saying this is a 'party split.' Especially as first-term lawmakers have started reflecting on the 'Cho Kuk incident,' some hardline pro-Moon supporters have expressed strong displeasure, calling them "ungrateful bastards." Some have even sent text messages urging them to leave the party. As a result, preparations for the presidential election coming up next year are not functioning properly.

The problem is that among the 2030 generation, there is little interest in this internal strife within the Democratic Party, and there is concern that it could reinforce a negative image. Among young people, the phrase 'double standards' is being used, and the controversy surrounding reflection on the 'Cho Kuk incident,' which is related to fairness issues, is causing some 2030s to say they are "really fed up."

A 20-something who supported the People Power Party in this by-election said, "I didn't have much political experience or a clear political view, but as a voter, I supported the party that showed signs of reflection."

The first-term lawmakers of the Democratic Party of Korea are expressing their stance on the April 7 by-election defeat at the National Assembly Communication Office in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 9th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

When asked if the Democratic Party had pleaded and bowed their heads, the young voter raised their voice, saying, "Suddenly apologizing right before the election made them look even more obnoxious." They added, "Whether you vote for Oh Se-hoon or Park Young-sun, isn't it the voter's decision? Treating voters who support Oh Se-hoon as clueless kids made me dislike not only the Democratic Party but also its supporters." Then they added, "(In the Democratic Party) why is Cho Kuk so important?"

Another late-20s office worker, Mr. Lee, said, "I believe anyone can make mistakes when making policies and doing politics. It's not about liking the People Power Party or disliking the Democratic Party, but about how much they reflect and show potential for change?that's what's important." He continued, "But since they still show those kinds of attitudes, I'm really fed up."

Cho Eung-cheon, Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker [Image source=Yonhap News]

As young people's distrust toward the Democratic Party grows, the party's reform efforts remain stuck in reflection on the 'Cho Kuk incident.' Given this situation, some lawmakers have called for awakening. However, it is uncertain how much weight their remarks will carry within the party in the face of the strong voices of hardline supporters.

Democratic Party lawmaker Cho Eung-cheon expressed concern on June 14 in a Facebook post, saying, "The taboo or sanctified issue of Cho Kuk will become an Achilles' heel that will continue to hold us back, just like the 'impeachment' of conservative parties."

He especially pointed out, "The party's mainstream forces still cling to vested interests, refuse change, and seem to prioritize so-called 'reform' over public sentiment, which is difficult. The party is gradually returning to the state before the by-election defeat."

Former Supreme Council member Kim Hae-young, who lost in Busan in the last general election, visited the National Assembly that day and said, "The Democratic Party was perceived as a party that values fairness, but the starting point that decisively shook that belief was the Cho Kuk incident."

Kim criticized senior lawmakers, saying, "First-term lawmakers courageously ignited the flame, but it has cooled down very quickly in just a few days," and added, "There is no concrete reform plan with sincere reflection." He emphasized that passionate supporters "have crossed the line of political expression" and that "those in the party leadership should firmly call for restraint."

Earlier, right after the by-election defeat, he had said, "The Cho Kuk incident was a mistake of the Democratic Party," which drew heavy criticism from hardline supporters.