"The Party Recognizes Diversity... Problems Must Be Found Through Dialogue"
[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Former National Assembly Speaker Moon Hee-sang, who serves as the Standing Advisor of the Democratic Party of Korea, mentioned the proverb "교토삼굴 (狡兎三窟)," meaning "a clever rabbit digs three burrows," sparking varied interpretations both inside and outside the party. While emphasizing the need for the party to accommodate diverse voices, he also stressed harmony.
On the 3rd, on CBS Radio's "Kim Hyun-jung's News Show," Moon explained his reference to 교토삼굴 at the Democratic Party's New Year's gathering, saying, "Since it is the Year of the Rabbit, I wanted to emphasize the rabbit's greatest strength, which is the cleverness to prepare alternatives, but unexpectedly, there seem to be other interpretations these days," adding, "That is not what I meant."
He mentioned 교토삼굴 at the party's New Year's gathering on the 1st. This remark was interpreted by some as referring to a contingency plan, or so-called 'Plan B,' in response to the judicial risks facing Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung amid prosecution investigations.
Moon Hee-sang, Standing Advisor of the Democratic Party of Korea (5th from the left), is making a toast with Lee Jae-myung, the party leader, Park Hong-geun, the floor leader, and others at the 2023 New Year's Greeting Event held on the morning of the 1st at the Democratic Party of Korea Central Party Office in Yeouido, Seoul. [Photo by Yonhap News]
When asked about the intended meaning of his remark, he explained, "Just the literal meaning."
However, he left open the possibility that the remark could be interpreted in various ways. Regarding the mention of the need for separate responses by the party and Leader Lee in preparation for prosecution investigations, he said, "All of that is included in the meaning of 교토삼굴," adding, "Within that, everyone deliberates, discusses, and dialogues, and there is always a way to overcome it."
In response to remarks emphasizing the party's unified front, he said, "Following 교토삼굴, I mentioned 화이부동 (和而不同), which means that a gentleman does not necessarily share the same thoughts as others but lives harmoniously with them. That is fundamental within the party," adding, "The foundation of a democratic party is recognizing diversity and finding solutions through dialogue." He also said, "We cannot remain silent, but within that, we must achieve harmony. We must move forward as one."
When asked about his views on concerns over judicial risks, Moon avoided a direct answer, saying, "교토 is 삼굴."
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