Nakyungwon's Intent Behind Posting a Video from Her 'Floor Leader Days' While Attacking Moon Jae-in

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Na Kyung-won, Vice Chairperson of the Low Birthrate and Aging Society Committee, criticized former President Moon Jae-in's remarks on the "retreat of democracy" through social networking service (SNS) on the 4th, linking a video from her time as floor leader four years ago.

On the same day, Vice Chairperson Na said on SNS, "When he mentioned the dangers of politics without communication, security anxiety, and the retreat of democracy, I thought former President Moon was making a confession of repentance," adding, "This is truly a statement that angers the people."

A video shared on her SNS by Na Kyung-won, Vice Chairperson of the Low Birthrate and Aging Society Committee.

This referred to former President Moon expressing sympathy for issues such as politics without communication, security anxiety, and the retreat of democracy while criticizing the Yoon Seok-youl administration during a meeting with Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea. Vice Chairperson Na said, "(Former President Moon) is the very person who, despite the people's strong opposition, appointed Minister Cho Kuk and split the country into two," and asked, "Did he ever properly communicate with the National Assembly and opposition parties even once when pushing through the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) and the flawed election system?"

She continued, "How can President Moon, who bowed so deeply to the North Korean regime to the extent of being called 'Kim Jong-un's chief spokesperson,' speak of 'democracy' when he does not even treat citizens who do not support him as citizens?" and added, "Seeing the Democratic Party forming the 'MoonJaeMyung (Moon Jae-in + Lee Jae-myung) alliance' to attack the Yoon Seok-youl government from the start of the new year, the path toward reform and normalization still looks very dark."

The title "Kim Jong-un's chief spokesperson" was used by Bloomberg News in evaluating former President Moon's North Korea policy, and Vice Chairperson Na also quoted this during a parliamentary negotiation group speech as the floor leader of the Liberty Korea Party in March 2019. At that time, he said, "The baseless defense and advocacy for North Korea is now shameful. Please make sure that the President of the Republic of Korea no longer hears the embarrassing label of being Kim Jong-un's chief spokesperson," which drew protests from the Democratic Party.

Vice Chairperson Na said, "If we do not break down the old vested interests relying on the 180 seats next year, I increasingly think that no reform or policy will be effective," and added, "Perhaps the most important task for the People Power Party throughout this year is to clearly and unwaveringly inform the public of the old-fashioned reality of the 'Moon Jae-in's Democratic Party' continuing into the 'Lee Jae-myung's Democratic Party.'"

These remarks by Vice Chairperson Na, who is currently leading the party's internal approval ratings ahead of the party convention, can also be interpreted as hinting at a possible run for party leader. Describing the Democratic Party as "old vested interests to be broken" overlaps with President Yoon's recent emphasis on "breaking vested interests," which can be interpreted as an attempt to appeal to party members as a 'pro-Yoon' candidate. The day before, he also raised his voice on SNS, saying, "For victory in the general election, the success of the Yoon government will be necessary again, and that can only be achieved through the unity of the party and government and absolute harmony within the party. Let's go for victory in the general election."