Internal Conflict Triggered by Park Ji-hyun... The Democratic Party Decides to Move On for Now

D-6 Local Election Concerns Over Negative Factors
Jo Eung-cheon "This Is a Wartime Situation"

[Asia Economy Reporters Oh Ju-yeon and Park Jun-i] The Democratic Party of Korea is struggling to resolve internal conflicts following the ‘public apology’ by Co-Interim Chair Park Ji-hyun, with only six days left until the June 1 local elections. Especially after Co-Interim Chair Yoon Ho-jung expressed anger toward Chair Park the previous day, internal strife has reached its peak, but concerns that this could negatively impact the local elections have led to the conflicts being temporarily subdued.

On the 24th, eight days before the June 1 local elections, Park Ji-hyun, co-chair of the Democratic Party's Emergency Response Committee, held a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Office to make a final public appeal to rally support. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

On the 26th, the Democratic Party leadership launched individual campaigns to support candidates for Seoul mayor and various district mayors. Chair Yoon accompanied Song Young-gil’s campaign rally in Seodaemun-gu in the morning and planned to appeal for support at campaign rallies for the mayors of Geumcheon-gu and Dongjak-gu in the afternoon. At the same time, Chair Park campaigned for the mayor of Gangbuk-gu, while Floor Leader Park Hong-geun supported the candidates for the mayors of Gwangjin-gu and Dongdaemun-gu.

Within the Democratic Party, there are differing opinions on Chair Park’s remarks about the ‘retirement of the 586 generation’ and ‘ending fandom politics,’ but there is a unified voice that, with the election imminent, the focus should be on on-site campaigning for the candidates.

On the same day, Chair Park reiterated on YTN Radio, "We must break away from fandom politics and engage in mass politics," while seemingly mindful of the election’s impact, she said, "Since the local elections are just around the corner, I hope everyone will focus more on the candidates." Regarding the retirement theory of the 586 generation, she added, "Since this was not part of the apology press conference, I wish people would focus more on the innovation plan mentioned at the conference," and urged, "I hope people refrain from using this as a provocative point."

Also on the day, Interim Chair Cho Eung-cheon appeared on MBC Radio and said, "This is a wartime situation where we are fighting on a knife’s edge over local power. At times like this, we must all unite as one (to fight)," and pointed out, "Telling certain factions to leave or whatnot requires prior discussion, obtaining consent, and efforts to build consensus among party members."