Will the Pledge to 'Cut Ties with Jeon Gwang-hoon' Hold Until the General Election?

The Democratic Party Faces Internal Conflict Triggered by Jeon Gwang-hoon... Far-Right Forces Call for 'Cutting Ties'
Party Leadership Draws the Line: "They Are Not Even Our Party Members"

The People Power Party's move to distance itself from Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon of Sarang Jeil Church has drawn attention to the background of this decision. It is interpreted as an effort to avoid taking on the so-called 'far-right risk,' but there is much debate over whether this commitment will be maintained until next year's general election.

Recently, the People Power Party experienced internal turmoil over the issue of Pastor Jeon, a far-right figure. The trigger was a series of gaffes by Kim Jae-won, a Supreme Council member of the party. On the 12th of last month, Kim sparked controversy by expressing opposition to enshrining the spirit of the May 18 Democratic Uprising in the constitution during Pastor Jeon's Sunday service, and on the 25th, he praised Pastor Jeon at a lecture hosted by a conservative organization, putting him under scrutiny.

The gaffe incident seemed to conclude with Kim Jae-won's announcement to suspend his public activities, but the conflict shifted to a verbal exchange between Kim Ki-hyun, the party leader, and Hong Joon-pyo, the mayor of Daegu. On the 1st, Mayor Hong publicly demanded a severance of ties with Pastor Jeon and engaged in a confrontation with him. In response, party leader Kim targeted Mayor Hong, pointing out, "Those in charge of local government should focus more on their duties," which sparked further conflict.

Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon of Sarang Jeil Church is leaving after the sentencing trial held in February at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-dong. Photo by Yonhap News

As the far-right controversy intensified, voices within the People Power Party calling for a clear break from Pastor Jeon grew louder. The gaffe incident revealed the influence of far-right forces within the ruling party, raising concerns that if the party were swayed by them, centrist public opinion could shift away in next year's general election. Former Supreme Council member Kim Yong-tae wrote on Facebook on the 11th, "Just how much leverage does Pastor Jeon have over the ruling party to speak so arrogantly?" and added, "We must engage in self-reflection to properly criticize the Democratic Party, which is swayed by 'Gaeddal' and Kim Eo-jun."

Jang Ye-chan, the youth Supreme Council member, issued a warning about Pastor Jeon during the Supreme Council meeting that day. He said, "Our People Power Party is not a party influenced by figures like Jeon Gwang-hoon, who make extreme remarks that do not meet the public's expectations," and strongly warned, "We will no longer tolerate distorted statements that suggest Pastor Jeon influences our party."

Despite growing resentment, Pastor Jeon attracted attention by stating, "Politicians must be controlled by religious figures." On the morning of the 10th, he held a press conference at Sarang Jeil Church in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, saying, "Politicians definitely need the supervision of religious figures," and "Without religious supervision, (politicians) cannot self-regulate." He also claimed, "The goal of the Korean church is to support 200 seats for the People Power Party in the next general election."

The party leadership has taken steps to distance itself from Pastor Jeon. On the 11th, party leader Kim Ki-hyun expressed deep regret on his Facebook, stating, "I deeply regret the malicious attacks that falsely associate our People Power Party with Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon, who is not even a party member, as if we were a community," thereby drawing a clear line from Pastor Jeon. The day before, Kim had been reserved about Pastor Jeon's press conference, saying, "I will speak when necessary later," but as the controversy intensified, he raised the level of his remarks.

Some view a complete 'cut-off' from Jeon Gwang-hoon by the ruling party as difficult. Since Pastor Jeon has organizational mobilization power within the conservative camp, it is assessed that severing ties will not be easy. Previously, Pastor Jeon conducted a 'People Power Party Occupation Movement,' encouraging his followers to join the party to showcase his influence. His statement about supporting 200 seats for the People Power Party in next year's general election was also made during this movement, demonstrating his confidence.

Former National Intelligence Service Director Park Ji-won appeared on the YouTube channel "Kim Eo-jun's Humility is Difficult News Factory" on the 11th, saying, "Currently, the top ranking in the People Power Party is President Yoon Seok-youl, second is Pastor Jeon, and third is party leader Kim," and added, "As Mayor Hong said, we should boldly cut off Pastor Jeon, but due to nominations and party members, we cannot. We cannot escape his influence."