Park Hong-geun: "No Speech or Actions That Undermine Unity"... Urges Restraint in 'Subak' Identification

"Intra-party Conflict: 'Plan Communication Schedule'"

Park Hong-geun, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, emphasized that "there is nothing more urgent than calming distrust and anxiety and making the party stronger and more united" in relation to the internal conflicts surfacing after the rejection of the arrest consent motion against Lee Jae-myung, the party leader. At the same time, he called for restraint from some party members who have been sending 'text message bombs' to non-Lee factions (anti-Lee Jae-myung faction) lawmakers.

On the 2nd, Park met with reporters at the National Assembly and, regarding the petition on the party's petition site demanding the permanent expulsion of former party leader Lee Nak-yeon, which has surpassed 30,000 signatures, he said, "It is not right for the floor leader to comment on the actions of certain internal support groups within the party," but added, "We all need to exercise more restraint in words and actions that undermine unity and solidarity."

He continued, "Didn’t the leader himself mention to refrain from creating and distributing false lists targeting lawmakers and attacking them?" and said, "I believe our party members who cherish Leader Lee will understand this well."

Park Hong-geun, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the floor strategy meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on the 28th. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

Regarding the conflict situation among party lawmakers, he expressed his intention to strengthen communication. In response to a question about some lawmakers’ opinions that a party member vote should be held concerning Leader Lee’s position, Park firmly replied, "I don’t think this is the time to respond to individual claims."

However, he added, "The leadership clearly believes that in this situation, we must use this as an opportunity to communicate more deeply and embrace more broadly so that the party moves forward united without wavering. From that perspective, we will plan and promote schedules for future communication, inclusion, and unity."

Regarding specific communication methods, he said, "I have heard that the party leader has already individually met with about 30 lawmakers ahead of this plenary session," and added, "I think such individual meetings should be conducted more deeply, more frequently, and more extensively."

He also emphasized communication by saying, "There are various opinion groups within the party and meetings by seniority, so if necessary, we should create opportunities for communication for the party’s future direction and unity," and "At an appropriate time, we should hold a lawmakers’ meeting with sufficient time to create a space where misunderstandings and distrust among lawmakers can be resolved."