Jihyun Park "Respectfully Apologizes to Yoon Hojung and Democratic Party Candidates on the Frontline... Renewal Plan Must Be Presented" (Comprehensive)

"Press Conference Without Sufficient Consultation with Party Leadership"
"Misunderstanding of 586's 'Beautiful Exit' Remarks... Need to Step Back and Support Youth Politics"

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] On the 27th, Park Ji-hyun, co-chair of the Emergency Response Committee of the Democratic Party of Korea, apologized to the Democratic Party candidates who are working hard on the front lines in relation to her public apology announcement mentioning 'the retirement of the 586 generation, the eradication of hypocrisy and fandom politics.' This came three days after internal party conflicts erupted following her urgent press conference on the 24th, where she emphasized the party's reflection and reform.

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 that day, Chair Park said on Facebook, "I apologize for holding the press conference without fully consulting with all party leadership," and added, "I accept the criticism that there was a lack of effort to build a broader consensus. I especially apologize to Chair Yoon Ho-jung, who may have been hurt by this."

However, Chair Park emphasized, "Seeing that the issues I raised in official meetings?such as the disciplinary action against Representative Choi Kang-wook, the enactment of the Equality Act, legislation for prosecutorial reform, and compensation for small business losses?were repeatedly overlooked, I hope you understand that I had no choice but to use the format of a press conference to directly apologize and appeal to the public."

She said, "When Chair Yoon recruited me, he said, 'From now on, our party will reform to be a party that the 2030 generation can relate to more closely.' I wish we could go back to that time," and added, "To create a younger Democratic Party, for election victory and reform, I want to sit down again with Chair Yoon and discuss."

Regarding her mention of the retirement of the mainstream 86 generation activists within the Democratic Party, she explained, "I think there has been some misunderstanding about my remark on the 'beautiful retirement' of the 586 generation. The 586 retirement theory was already promised to the public during the presidential election. It does not mean that all 586 members should step down, nor does it mean that 586 candidates running in the local elections should withdraw."

She further explained, "I am saying that those 586 members who block innovation or fail to respond to the flow of the times and the demands of the people should step down, and that the remaining 586 members should have a different role. The 586 generation should take a step back and support youth politics that confront discrimination, disparity, and inequality. I am asking for help so that young people, who have only followed senior politicians without independent philosophy or values, can be armed with new beliefs and values and lead the party through youth politics."

On the 24th, eight days before the June 1 local elections, Park Ji-hyun, co-chair of the Democratic Party's Emergency Response Committee, is bowing her head in greeting after concluding a press conference appealing to the public for final support consolidation at the National Assembly Communication Office. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Chair Park said, "I hope our (Democratic) Party prepares and announces reform measures so that we can regain the love of the people," emphasizing again, "This is necessary not only for winning the local elections but also for reforming the old vested interest politics."

She stressed 'a younger Democratic Party' and 'a stricter Democratic Party,' arguing, "We must strengthen the function of the Ethics Tribunal and apply a zero-tolerance principle to internal party corruption," while also appealing to become a 'Democratic Party that keeps its promises' by legislating the Anti-Discrimination Act, compensation for small business losses, the major electoral district system for basic councils, and the Disability Rights Protection Act.

In particular, she did not hide her caution against 'fandom politics' centered on some hardline supporters, strongly stating again, "We must break away from violent fandom politics." Chair Park pointed out, "Although it is a minority, fandom politics excessively represents our party members. Also, because of some people who use them as political nourishment, their voices have become even harsher and are narrowing the party's options."

She said, "I am also saddened by the case of Representative Choi Kang-wook. However, it has become difficult to handle it before the election," and promised, "Although pre-election disciplinary action has become difficult, I will do my best to ensure that appropriate discipline is carried out by June 20."

Chair Park pledged, "During the remaining election period, I will devote my entire body to the election of all candidates," and pleaded to voters, "The Democratic Party will be reborn. Please give us one more chance."