Democratic Party or Munpa Party... Can the Ruling Party Show 'Reform'? [Han Seung-gon's Political Notebook]

Democratic Party National Convention Online Voting Begins
Jo Eungcheon "Moonpa Members, Please Let Go Now"
Yoon Geonyeong "If Elected, You Must Endure That Much"
Kim Yongmin "Supporters Actively Expressing Their Opinions"

President Moon Jae-in [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] 'Reform' or 'Moon faction party.' This is how some describe the Democratic Party of Korea, three days ahead of the party convention to elect the next leadership. After the crushing defeat in the April 7 by-elections, the so-called 'reflection on the Cho Kuk incident' by first-term lawmakers has virtually disappeared under the 'text bomb' attacks from the 'pro-Moon' (親文) faction and the staunch Democratic Party supporters known as 'Moonpa.'

As a result, critical opinions about the Moonpa have emerged within the party. On the other hand, there are views that these should be actively accepted, and some see the upcoming party convention as a turning point to gauge the extent of reform within the Democratic Party.

Until now, the Moonpa have been criticized for suppressing lawmakers' sincere voices. On the 27th, Democratic Party lawmaker Cho Eung-cheon posted on his Facebook, appealing, "Please let go of the party lawmakers so they can also reach out to the people and win their hearts, not just the Moonpa." He added, "The more you engage in text actions, the more lawmakers are intimidated by your strong power, and the dream of regaining power becomes more distant."

Cho pointed out, "The public opinion is not very favorable toward the frequent sending of text bombs filled with harsh language such as profanity and insults to lawmakers, and it looks even worse when lawmakers waver because of these text bombs. Yet, if you insist on continuing the 'text actions,' do you think public sentiment will have a favorable view of the Democratic Party and the Moonpa?"

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

As Cho expressed concern, first-term lawmakers who previously attempted internal criticism during the Cho Kuk incident were labeled as the 'five first-term traitors' by the Moonpa. As the controversy continued, then-spokesperson Heo Young met with reporters at the National Assembly and said, "This is not a matter of blaming anyone or any faction, but a task that we all must acknowledge as our responsibility and solve," emphasizing, "It is important to prepare contents for reflection and reform."

On the other hand, there are opinions encouraging such text actions. On the 28th, Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Yong-min said in an interview with KBS Radio's 'Choi Kyung-young's Strong Current Affairs,' "(The Moonpa) may be described as staunch supporters, but I think of them as supporters who actively express their opinions," and emphasized, "(Text actions) should rather be encouraged."

Kim added, "In a democratic society, active expression of opinions should be encouraged," and "For lawmakers, they must continuously listen to the voices of the people and party members. Since there are no communication channels or they are cut off, texts are the option supporters can choose."

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]

Also, on the 29th, Democratic Party lawmaker Yoon Gun-young appeared on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' and responded to fellow party lawmaker Cho Eung-cheon's appeal to the Moonpa to let go of the lawmakers, saying, "We are elected officials, aren't we? If we are elected officials, I think we have to endure that much."

He continued, "Lawmaker Cho Eung-cheon can say such things," but added, "However, if the content seriously insults personal dignity or defames or crosses a certain line, then that would be a problem."

He emphasized, "The Democratic Party has diverse members. If we compare it to colors, beyond the red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet, there are really many colors," and "Among them, some colors may stand out. But that does not erase other colors. Democracy is based on diversity, so having various colors is not a problem." However, "the level and content of party members' expressions become problematic if they involve profanity or personal insults," he pointed out.

On January 5, 2019, the 'Moonpa Live Aid - Happy New Year Talk Show,' a New Year's event for supporters of President Moon Jae-in, was held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building auditorium. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Amid such divided evaluations of the Moonpa, various voices are also emerging among citizens. A man in his 40s working at a company, who stated he supports the Democratic Party, criticized the Moonpa, saying, "The fact that various opinions come out can be seen as communication, but if only one voice is heard, it is not communication but non-communication."

On the other hand, another office worker in his 30s, Kim, said, "There may be various evaluations of the Moonpa, but I think all party members should make the same claims on matters promoted at the party level," emphasizing, "I believe that issues like prosecutorial reform and other initiatives pushed by the Blue House and the ruling party should be voiced unanimously."

Meanwhile, the Democratic Party began voting on the 28th for the election of the next leadership through delegate and party member votes. The total number of eligible voters is 710,464 (15,905 national delegates and 694,559 party members). Online voting is held on the 28th and 29th, followed by automated response system (ARS) voting from the 30th to June 2nd. Public opinion polls among the general public and ordinary party members will be conducted over two days from the 29th to the 30th.

The voting results will be reflected in the ratio of 45% for delegates, 40% for party members, 10% for the public, and 5% for ordinary party members. Candidates for party leader include Hong Young-pyo, Song Young-gil, and Woo Won-shik. Candidates for the Supreme Council include Kang Byung-won, Hwang Myung-sun, Kim Yong-min, Jeon Hye-sook, Seo Sam-seok, Baek Hye-ryun, and Kim Young-bae (in order of ballot number). The May 2nd party convention will elect one party leader and five Supreme Council members.