Close-knit faction meeting... "A sense of crisis that the party will self-destruct if this continues"
About 20 lawmakers from the Chinhan (Chinhan Donghun) faction gathered for a dinner meeting, drawing criticism as "factional politics," but Park Jeong-hoon, a member of the People Power Party, distanced himself by saying it was a meeting to share a sense of crisis within the party.
On the 7th, Park appeared on CBS Radio's "Kim Hyun-jung's News Show" and said, "We actively shared a sense of crisis," adding, "I listened to each person's opinion, and they all felt that if things continue like this, the party will truly self-destruct."
Handonghun, the leader of the People Power Party, is heading to his car after finishing a dinner meeting at a restaurant in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 6th. Photo by Yonhap News
The day before, Representative Han held a private dinner with about 20 Chinhan faction lawmakers for the first time since taking office. Attendees included Cho Kyung-tae, Song Seok-jun, Kim Hyeong-dong, Park Jeong-ha, Bae Hyun-jin, Seo Beom-su, Jang Dong-hyeok, Kim Ye-ji, Go Dong-jin, Kim Geon, Kim Sang-wook, Kim So-hee, Kim Jae-seop, Park Jeong-hoon, Woo Jae-jun, Yoo Yong-won, Jeong Seong-guk, Joo Jin-woo, Jin Jong-oh, and Han Ji-a. Among non-parliamentary figures, Chinhan faction member Kim Jong-hyeok, Supreme Council member, was present.
He said, "They came despite the risk of potential disadvantages," explaining, "Because there is a strong possibility of being completely excluded from various powers the current government holds, such as budget and personnel recommendations." He added, "Right now, being part of the Han Donghun faction brings no benefits," emphasizing, "Honestly, Representative Han's chances as a presidential candidate are highly uncertain, and there is no guarantee of holding the next nomination rights. The party is in danger, and there is only a consensus that the party must be protected and changed."
Regarding Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo's criticism of the Chinhan faction meeting, saying, "A faction leader treating lawmakers as faction henchmen is unconstitutional," Park responded, "It seems he viewed the Chinhan faction meeting as a group threatening the president," and pointed out, "After Han Donghun was overwhelmingly elected as party leader and said he would not comment on internal party matters, it would be better if he had been more patient."
He continued, "Factional politics requires a definite owner and leader, and concrete benefits that can unite members," adding, "Although this is a meeting centered around Representative Han, there is no one to pull the group together. During MB's time, there were people like Lee Sang-deuk and Jeong Du-eon; during former President Park Geun-hye's era, there was Choi Kyung-hwan; and in the Chin Yoon (Chin Yoon Seok-yeol) faction, there are people like Park Seong-min, Lee Cheol-gyu, and Jang Je-won."
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