Internal Conflict Intensifies Over 'Primary Postponement'.. Lee Jae-myung Faction Says "Clear Advantage-Disadvantage Issue Debate.. Party Will Be Shaken"

Kim Byung-wook, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Bill Review of the National Assembly's Political Affairs Committee, is presiding over the 1st Subcommittee on Bill Review meeting held at the National Assembly on the 23rd. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] Kim Byung-wook, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea and head of the Success Forum affiliated with the pro-Lee Jae-myung faction, clearly opposed the postponement of the primary election, stating that "politics must keep promises." He also said, "If heated debates occur over issues that clearly benefit or disadvantage a specific candidate, the party's internal unity will be shaken, making it difficult to form a one team for the general election to achieve regime reestablishment."

On the 20th, Kim posted on Facebook, "Last August, the rule of selecting the presidential candidate 180 days before the election was decided through consensus at the party delegates' meeting, and overturning this less than a year later breaks the promise made to party members and the public," criticizing the move.

Regarding some lawmakers' claims that not discussing the 'postponement of the presidential primary' at the June party affairs committee meeting would violate party regulations, he rebutted that this is a misinterpretation of Article 88 of the party constitution. Article 88 states, "The Democratic Party of Korea shall select its presidential candidate by 180 days before the presidential election, but in the case of 'significant reasons,' the party affairs committee may decide otherwise."

Kim emphasized, "It is essential first to clearly confirm what constitutes 'significant reasons,'" adding, "'Significant reasons' can only be established in common sense terms when the situation is so severe that holding the election is impossible."

He further stated, "The National Assembly, which should focus on politics that protect the people through quarantine and livelihood measures, concentrating solely on the presidential primary election will inevitably fuel political distrust among citizens struggling with COVID-19," and "If heated debates occur over issues that clearly benefit or disadvantage a specific candidate, it may be difficult to form a one team."