Party Leader to Be Elected at August Democratic Party Convention
Jung Joong-sik: "Building Consensus Within the Party for Re-election"
Since the April 10 general election, the 'Lee Jae-myung leadership reappointment theory' has been gaining traction within the Democratic Party of Korea. Although Lee's judicial risks and factional conflicts remain ongoing challenges, there is an argument that Lee, who led a landslide victory in the election, should be reappointed to strengthen party unity and continue the fight against the opposition. On the 22nd, Hong Ik-pyo, the floor leader of the Democratic Party, said, "I told Lee to keep the possibility of reappointment open and to consider it," adding, "I hope Lee will judge what would be most helpful for the Democratic Party."
On the same day, during SBS Radio's 'Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show,' he explained, "Within the party, there are pros and cons in the hope that the party leader does well," adding, "Some see it as difficult for Lee to bear the political burden for another two years after having done enough so far, while others believe it is right for the leader to responsibly manage the party for the next two years."
Regarding the view that a leader with less factional color should take charge, he drew a line by saying, "I do not agree." Floor leader Hong said, "The party leader practically manages the party, so political authority and responsibility should be given in reality," adding, "It is not desirable to put up someone without authority."
Democratic Party of Korea leader Lee Jae-myung and floor leader Hong Ik-pyo are attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 19th. [Image source=Yonhap News]
Democratic Party lawmaker Cho Jung-sik said, "The atmosphere within the party is expanding toward reappointment." On the same day, on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show,' Cho said, "There are many calls for Lee's reappointment within the party, as well as among party members and supporters," adding, "It is a reasonable argument in that consensus is gradually being broadened."
Cho said, "From a human perspective, it can be a very difficult decision and judgment," but added, "Since it is a matter related to the party's future, the party's collective will will be gathered to make a good judgment and decision." He said, "Having observed the party leader closely while serving as secretary-general, I saw that Lee went through a very harsh and tough process over the past one year and eight months," adding, "Lee once said, 'The position of opposition party leader is an incredible 3D (a neologism from dirty, difficult, dangerous, referring to a dirty, hard, and dangerous field).'"
The Democratic Party's party convention to elect the next party leader is scheduled for August. As support for Lee's reappointment grows, senior Democratic Party lawmakers have shifted their focus to competing for positions such as the Speaker of the National Assembly and floor leader. Last month on the 10th, Lee expressed his intention not to run again, saying, "Being party leader is really 3D among 3Ds. Even if forced, I do not want to do it again."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
