The Growing 'Isimsongsim' Controversy in the Opposition Party

Democratic Research Institute Sparks Debate by Including 'Basic Living Income' in Core Presidential Pledges
Criticism Arises That 'Representative Song Young-gil is Biased Toward Governor Lee Jae-myung'

Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 2nd and delivering an opening remark. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jin-young] Amid ongoing negative exchanges among the Democratic Party presidential candidates, controversy over the so-called ‘Isim Songsim’?the accusation that Party Leader Song Young-gil is biased toward Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung?is intensifying. After the conflict over whether to postpone the primary was resolved, a new controversy has emerged, suggesting that Lee’s signature policy, basic income, was proposed as a party-level pledge. This was triggered when the Democratic Research Institute, the party’s think tank, included ‘living basic income’ in the core presidential pledges it compiled at the end of last month.

Former Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun criticized on June 2 during CBS Radio’s ‘Kim Hyun-jung’s News Show,’ saying, "The Democratic Research Institute is releasing policy pledges just as the candidate primary is beginning, which is a bit too early," and added, "They should quietly conduct internal research and prepare pledges to present if they become candidates, rather than releasing such things publicly and causing discord, which is an unwise attitude." He also said, "At the start of the primary, the leadership was misunderstood as being biased. It is right not to do anything that could cause misunderstandings during the remaining primary period."

Yoon Young-chan, a member of the National Assembly and political affairs director of the Lee Nak-yeon campaign, also stated the day before, "Regarding the primary, the party’s election commission and leadership’s position is always to be fair and to ensure there is not even the slightest suspicion about the candidates."

Choi Jae-sung, former senior secretary for political affairs at the Blue House and known as a ‘pro-Moon Jae-in core,’ held Song responsible, saying, "Party leadership and officeholders are referees. Referees do not belong to any team." A lawmaker classified as pro-Moon told Asia Economy in a phone interview that day, "The party leader’s role is to manage the primary fairly. Therefore, statements that could raise doubts about the fairness of the competition should be avoided as much as possible," and added, "Among surrounding lawmakers, there is a sentiment that Leader Song is inclined toward a particular member."

Leader Song moved to contain the situation. At the Supreme Council meeting that day, he stated, "As party leader, I will manage the primary fairly," and added, "There may be some dissatisfaction toward the party leadership depending on minor advantages or disadvantages, but the party leadership will lead the Democratic Party primary with fairness and a one-team spirit."