Jeong Cheong-rae: "Encouraged to leave the party citing candidate Lee Jae-myung's intentions... I will not abandon the party"

Calling Temple Cultural Heritage Admission Fees 'Toll'... Conflict with Buddhist Community
"Leaving the Party Is Not in My Dictionary... I Will Not Abandon the Party"

Jeong Cheong-rae, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, revealed that he was urged to leave the party by the presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung's camp.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] Jeong Cheong-rae, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, claimed that he was urged to voluntarily leave the party, saying it was the will of presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung.

On the 18th, Jeong posted on his Facebook titled "Lee's key aide came to see me," stating, "They urged me to voluntarily leave the party, saying it was the candidate's will and that the Buddhist community was uneasy." The term 'Lee's key aide' appears to refer to a key figure from candidate Lee's side, analogous to 'Yoon's key aide' (Yoon Seok-yeol, the People Power Party presidential candidate's key aide).

Jeong said, "I did not leave the party even when I was cut off (excluded from nomination). I firmly refused and sent them away, saying there is no leaving the party or divorce in my dictionary. I cannot leave the party," adding, "(However) they have been continuously harassing me within the party for several months. It has been very difficult."

He expressed, "I am enduring without yielding and doing my best for the presidential election victory," and "Even if the party abandons me, I will not abandon the party. Rather, I will devote myself to the party and the presidential election victory, just like during the last cut-off," showing his determination. Finally, Jeong emphasized, "I love the Democratic Party. I will not leave the Democratic Party."

Meanwhile, last year during a government audit, Jeong caused conflict with the Buddhist community by criticizing the collection of cultural heritage admission fees at major temples such as Haeinsa, comparing it to 'Bongyi Kim Seon-dal' (a legendary swindler). In response, on the 17th, about 30 Democratic Party lawmakers visited Jogyesa Temple, performed 108 prostrations, and apologized again for Jeong's remarks.