Jo Eung-cheon "If we can't talk like this, is that a democratic party?"
Lee Won-wook "Please restrain Gaeddal... There should be no sanctuary in the party"
[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] Democratic Party lawmakers Cho Eung-cheon and Lee Won-wook defended Jeon Jae-soo, who criticized party leader Lee Jae-myung's controversy over 'holding defense industry stocks' as "disappointing," saying, "He spoke his mind" and "True leaders are nurtured through criticism," they said in support.
Earlier, on the 17th, Rep. Jeon publicly criticized Lee Jae-myung on BBS Radio's 'Jeon Young-shin's Morning Journal' interview regarding Lee's purchase of defense-related stocks shortly after losing the presidential election, saying, "There is a disappointing aspect for those who supported him." It is known that Rep. Jeon has since been subjected to 'text bombings' containing abusive language and criticism from Lee's staunch supporters.
In response, Rep. Cho appeared on SBS's 'Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show' on the 19th and said, "If such comments cannot be made in a democratic party, then what kind of democratic party is that?" and "(Rep. Jeon) spoke his mind," defending him.
He added, "I have never felt the same level of emotion as Rep. Jeon did," but "After thinking deeply about why, I guess it is because the trust and affection for Leader Lee were much stronger than mine. Because the trust was greater, the disappointment was probably greater as well," he speculated.
Rep. Lee Won-wook also posted on Facebook, saying, "There should be no sacred cows in the party. True leaders are nurtured through criticism and encouragement," and requested, "I hope the Gaeddal (reform daughters, Lee’s supporters) show restraint."
He added, "If critical words are met with condemnation, who would dare to criticize?" and "For the Democratic Party not to fall into a stagnant party, healthy internal discussions must take place. Rep. Jeon Jae-soo, I support you," he concluded.
According to the disclosure of lawmakers' assets published by the National Assembly on the 27th of last month, Leader Lee purchased a total of 23.125 million KRW worth of stocks in two companies, including 1,670 shares of Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering and 690 shares of Hyundai Heavy Industries, between April and May this year. In political circles, concerns were raised about a potential conflict of interest as Leader Lee is a member of the National Defense Committee while owning defense industry stocks. As the controversy escalated, Leader Lee sold all the stocks on the 13th.
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