Park Yong-jin Reaches Out to Gaeddal... "I Want to Talk"

Park Yong-jin, a non-mainstream member of the Democratic Party of Korea, reached out with an offer to "have a conversation" with the so-called 'Gaeddal,' the strong fandom of the Democratic Party.

On the 30th, Park posted on his social media (SNS), "I want to have a conversation with the so-called 'Gaeddal' for the victory of the party," expressing his intention.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

He said, "What worries me most recently is that the Democratic Party is showing the public unfiltered scenes of suppressing, silencing, and trying to expel dissenting voices instead of having healthy discussions and dialogues to find common ground within the party," adding, "To break away from salt farm politics and move out to the sea, we must start by talking and keep talking."

He continued, "It doesn't matter who you support or what different opinions you have. Let's have a conversation," and said, "I, Park Yong-jin, am always ready to talk and share thoughts with party members, supporters, and the public. I will do my best so that the Democratic Party can overcome the current crisis and stand proudly before the people."

Two days earlier, Park had urged self-reflection on SNS after claiming to have faced hostile acts from Gaeddal, saying, "If we label and attack the Democratic Party's internal factions as 'subak,' we all lose." The term 'subak' (watermelon) is a derogatory word used to describe someone who is different on the outside and inside, used to belittle the non-mainstream faction.