Analysis by Park Ji-won... 'Why Are Lee Jun-seok and Cheon Ha-ram Not in the Democratic Party?'

"They say it's too oppressive from above" Urging Improvement of Party Culture

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] Former National Intelligence Service Director Park Ji-won mentioned that the reason why young politicians like Lee Jun-seok and Cheon Ha-ram do not emerge to challenge for party leadership in the Democratic Party of Korea is due to an oppressive atmosphere.

On the afternoon of the 16th, Park posted on his Facebook, saying, "Yesterday (the 15th), I had a luncheon meeting with young leaders from both ruling and opposition parties for the politics of unity."

Park said, "When I asked the attendees, 'Why are there no Lee Jun-seok or Cheon Ha-ram in the Democratic Party?' they said it is because they are suppressed too much from above," adding, "So I advised young politicians not to be discouraged and to keep challenging themselves."

Former National Intelligence Service Director Park Ji-won. [Photo by Yonhap News]

Additionally, Park appealed to President Yoon Suk-yeol, saying, "The president should focus on cooperation with the opposition that the people desire, livelihood economy, diplomacy, defense, and North Korea issues, and be supported and evaluated based on achievements," and requested, "I earnestly ask that you step back from this party leadership election and devote yourself to state affairs to become a president who receives the people's support."

Earlier, Lee Kyung, the Democratic Party's full-time deputy spokesperson, also pointed out on her Facebook on the 12th, "It is not that there are no young candidates like Cheon who can run for party leader in the Democratic Party, but there is no system that allows such challenges," and criticized, "(The Democratic Party leadership election) has the Central Committee conducting a 100% preliminary cut-off, narrowing candidates down to eight."