Lee Jae-myung Moves Again... Will the Opposition's Generation Change Theory Return to Square One?

Lee Jae-myung Launches Bid for Party Leadership... Will the '97 Group Party Leader' Fade Away?
"Generational Change? What Meaning If No Value" Age-Based Limitations Also Pointed Out

Lee Jae-myung, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, is making his first appearance at the National Assembly Members' Office Building on the morning of the 7th. / National Assembly Press Photographers Group [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] Lee Jae-myung, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea who had been laying low following the defeat in the June 1 local elections, has resumed political activities by meeting with supporters. Analysts say this marks the start of his full-fledged campaign for the party leadership election scheduled for August. Meanwhile, as the Democratic Party has yet to find new leadership to replace Lee, the 'generation change' proposal raised as part of party reform seems to be fading away.

On the 18th, Lee met with supporters at the outdoor performance venue on Gyeyang Mountain in his constituency, Gyeyang District, Incheon. This was his first public appearance since winning the parliamentary by-election held alongside the local elections. On that day, Lee asked his supporters, known as 'Gaeddal' and 'Yangadeul,' to refrain from using harsh language and oppressive behavior, saying, "Such expressions and actions have recently become problematic and only strengthen hostility." This was interpreted as an attempt to dispel concerns within the party about the surge of text message attacks targeting politicians critical of Lee and worries over the strong fandom within the party.

He also shared his views on the party leadership election rules. He said, "In a political party, it is necessary for the will of party members to be properly reflected. Party positions should be for party members, and public offices for the people." This appears to indicate his intention to increase the proportion of rights-holding party members, who form his support base, in the leadership election rule reform discussions. Although Lee has not explicitly stated whether he will run in the leadership election, political circles widely expect him to eventually declare his candidacy.

However, there is also a strong demand within the Democratic Party for new leadership different from the existing one. The mainstream faction within the party, the '86 Generation' (those born in the 1960s and who entered university in the 1980s), is urged to step down and for the leadership to be formed by a new generation to achieve fundamental reform. Some senior lawmakers have promoted the '97 Group' (those born in the 1970s and who entered university in the 1990s) as the vanguard of the generation change movement. Leading figures of the 97 Group include lawmakers Kang Byung-won, Kang Hoon-sik, Park Yong-jin, Park Joo-min, and Jeon Jae-soo.

However, as Lee, who has been a presidential contender, begins his campaign for party leadership, the generation change movement seems to be losing momentum. While everyone recognizes the need for generational change, it is analyzed that it will be difficult for new forces to gain support amid ongoing factional conflicts within the party. The 97 Group candidates mentioned have also shown cautious attitudes regarding the leadership election so far.

Moreover, senior lawmaker Seol Hoon, a five-term veteran, has already declared his intention to run for party leader, and pro-Moon Jae-in faction lawmakers Jeon Hae-cheol and Hong Young-pyo are also reportedly considering candidacy, making it even harder for the 97 Group’s generation change movement to gain traction. Ultimately, the Democratic Party’s limitation is pointed out as the lack of new and fresh figures to challenge Lee.

There is also an opinion that party reform cannot be achieved solely through a generation change based on age. On the 15th, lawmaker Lee In-young wrote on Facebook, "If new leadership emerges in their 40s, I will step aside and help without hesitation. It is right that the party should become younger," but he emphasized, "What meaning would generation change have if it is not equipped with values? Before simply telling someone to step down or shut up, one must say what values they stand for."

Meanwhile, the Democratic Party will hold a two-day workshop for all lawmakers starting on the 23rd. It is expected to analyze the causes of consecutive election defeats and discuss directions for party reform, including the operation of the leadership election.