Kim Du-kwan, the Democratic Party of Korea's presidential candidate, criticized the preliminary election results for the Supreme Council members, calling it a case where only the so-called "royalist faction" succeeded.
In an interview with KBS Radio's 'Jeonggyeok Sisa' on the 15th, Kim stated, "If the composition ends up with former leader Lee Jae-myung and five 'true Myung' Supreme Council members, there is a high possibility that many party members who have loved and cherished the Democratic Party will defect."
In the previous day's preliminary election for the Democratic Party's Supreme Council members, candidates including Representative Min Hyung-bae, Jeon Hyun-hee, Han Jun-ho, Kang Seon-woo, Jeong Bong-ju, Kim Min-seok, Kim Byung-joo, and Lee Eon-ju (in order of ballot number) secured tickets to the main election. During their policy presentations, most candidates focused on 'Myung-shim marketing,' with statements such as "I will rescue the hostage Lee Jae-myung" (Min Hyung-bae), "I will open the era of President Lee Jae-myung, who came from a working-class background" (Kang Seon-woo), and "I will bring back the regime. We can build the Lee Jae-myung government" (Kim Byung-joo).
Kim said, "Our party is one that has continuously carried on the spirit of Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun," and pointed out, "There is a large gap between public sentiment and party sentiment. If this gap continues, the future of the Democratic Party looks rather bleak."
He continued, "Fundamentally, diversity and dynamism are the lifeblood of the Democratic Party," adding, "We must unite the remaining party members to raise issues about the leadership under the single system of Lee Jae-myung and also voice alternative opinions to restore healthiness." He further explained, "That is why I participated in this significant matter without calculating wins or losses."
He emphasized, "If the centrist voters leave, I am not confident that our Democratic Party will win the next local elections or the presidential election, and regime change will also be uncertain," and added, "The right person to operate the party healthily and democratically while expanding the centrist base and outreach is Kim Du-kwan."
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