[Exclusive] Democratic Party Freshmen Tour Nationwide to Meet University Students... Also Challenge Leadership

"Listening to the Voices of Youth on the Ground"
About Two First-Term Members Expected to Challenge for Next Supreme Council Member

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] First-term lawmakers of the Democratic Party of Korea will tour the country to meet directly with university students and listen to their opinions. This initiative aims to grasp the basic direction for future party reform by hearing the sentiments of young people confirmed in the by-elections. Additionally, first-term lawmakers plan to challenge the new Democratic Party leadership to bring a fresh breeze.

Han Jun-ho, spokesperson for the Democratic Party first-term lawmakers' group 'The Mincho,' said in a phone interview with Asia Economy on the 15th, "Starting as early as next week, first-term lawmakers will hold meetings with university students across the country, touring regions from Seoul and the metropolitan area to Gangwon and Jeju. Considering COVID-19, these will be small-scale gatherings, and lawmakers will be divided into nine groups to visit different areas."

He added, "Until now, communication with young people was mainly centered on party members, but we thought it was important to meet university students directly and listen to them. We will listen carefully to prepare solutions."

The 81 first-term lawmakers of the Democratic Party stand at the forefront of driving party reform following the by-elections. Since a major reason for the by-election defeat was the failure to gain youth support, they intend to listen to these voices and use them as the foundation for change. In fact, in the Seoul mayoral by-election, exit polls by broadcasters showed a gap of around 20 percentage points among those in their 20s and 30s.

One lawmaker also conveyed, "There is a consensus across both ruling and opposition parties that pragmatic politics, which cannot be divided into conservative and progressive, should be strengthened."

Regarding the registration for Democratic Party Supreme Council candidates closing today, it is understood that about two first-term lawmakers will register their names. Ko Young-in, chairperson of 'The Mincho' steering committee, said in a phone interview, "We believe it is necessary for first-term lawmakers to enter the leadership for change, and about two lawmakers are expected to make a decision. Although it is a personal decision, if they register as candidates, 'The Mincho' may offer support."

Among first-term lawmakers, Kim Young-bae, former mayor of Seongbuk District in Seoul, is considered a strong candidate. Among second-term lawmakers, Kang Byung-won declared his candidacy for the Supreme Council this morning.

Considering their position within the party, the actual possibility of entering the leadership is uncertain, but there is analysis that it could be possible if the reform momentum continues. A Democratic Party emergency committee official said, "Since there is a strong demand for change after the by-elections, it is worth trying for both first-term and second-term lawmakers."