Opposition Focuses on Election Lineup Over Confrontation... Calls for Self-Reflection on Corruption Emerge

[Image source=Yonhap News]

At the Democratic Party of Korea's National Assembly members' workshop, it was reported that instead of factional conflicts and confrontations, the members united around the common goal of winning the general election. This was a different atmosphere from the anticipated heated debates over reform proposals such as the revision of the delegate system.

The Democratic Party, which held the workshop on the 28th at Oak Valley in Wonju, Gangwon Province, conducted a discussion in the afternoon following the regular National Assembly operation strategy session, under the theme of 'Expanding the Values of the Democratic Party.'

Before the workshop, political circles expected that the session, which was essentially a free discussion, would feature intense debates about the party's future. It was anticipated that the reform proposals, which sharply divided factional interests, as well as concerns over 'judicial risks,' including the position of Representative Lee Jae-myung, would be discussed.

However, in the actual discussion, such opinions rarely surfaced, and the atmosphere was reportedly amicable. After the session, Kim Han-gyu, the party's floor spokesperson, explained to reporters, "There were no opinions like 'accept or reject the reform proposals,' but there was a sentiment that innovation is necessary to overcome the party's difficulties."

Regarding the abolition of the delegate system, he mentioned, "There was no discussion of pros and cons," adding, "There was a recognition that while opinions should be gathered, this is not an issue to be decided here."

Han Byung-do, the chairman of the Strategic Planning Committee, evaluated the cause of the Democratic Party's declining approval ratings as the image that "while the government and ruling party are inadequately checked, there are allegations of corruption." He emphasized the need to strengthen livelihood issues to highlight the party's competence as the opposition and to meet the expectations of the support base by showing a strong opposition party image.

He also reportedly urged lawmakers to be cautious, as controversies such as verbal gaffes could significantly damage the party's election prospects. However, Seol Hoon, a member of the non-Lee Jae-myung faction, indirectly pressured the party leader's position by raising the issue of the arrest consent motion against Representative Lee.