Democratic Party Hardliners Defend Lee Jae-myung Amid 'Local Election Defeat' Responsibility Debate

On the afternoon of the 1st, Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party candidate who is expected to win the by-election for the National Assembly seat in Gyeyang-eul, Incheon, is preparing for an interview with a serious expression at his campaign office in Gyeyang-gu, Incheon.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Hardline members of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), who suffered a crushing defeat in the June 1 local elections, came to the defense of Lee Jae-myung, the standing adviser caught up in calls for accountability, on the 4th.

On Facebook that day, Representative Jung Cheong-rae said, "Ten years ago, right after Moon Jae-in’s defeat in the 2012 presidential election, there were lawmakers who insisted that 'Candidate Moon should resign from the National Assembly and retire from politics' at a party meeting," adding, "Just as we should not have attacked Moon then, we must not wound or attack Lee Jae-myung, who was the presidential candidate."

He emphasized, "We must not shake Lee Jae-myung. It will not benefit the Democratic Party. Only the other side will gain and be pleased," and added, "We need to show courtesy and respect to the people who voted for Lee Jae-myung."

Representative Lee Jae-jung, targeting pro-Moon lawmakers through a YouTube broadcast, said, "Those who should take responsibility are quick to speak," and added, "Honestly, former leader Lee Nak-yeon is not free from the controversy of factionalism. He stopped all reform agendas and used the party only for his own presidential ambitions."

Representative Kim Nam-guk criticized the flood of 'Lee Jae-myung accountability' claims on Facebook, saying, "It was filled only with blaming you," and "It seemed more about selfish desires for party leadership than reflection," adding, "It is very regrettable that factional interests come before the Democratic Party’s will for reform."

Independent Representative Min Hyung-bae also responded to the 'Lee Jae-myung accountability' claims, saying, "Isn’t this a bit cruel? It’s like pouring salt on the wounds of comrades in our own party who are bleeding profusely," and added, "I hope the mindset of trying to kill a competitor is not the case."

Go Min-jung, classified as part of the pro-Moon faction, refuted reports of her interview titled 'Regretting restraint in criticizing Lee Jae-myung,' saying, "I cannot help but be appalled by how the media is swayed by misleading headlines," and added, "No matter who says what in the future, the frame to divide the Democratic Party will continue."