Kang Deuk-gu Calls Kim Kyung-soo's Criticism of Lee Jae-myung "Frustrating"

"It's Only Natural for the Party to Unite Under the Party Leader," Says on Facebook

Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Kang Deuk-gu expressed frustration over former Gyeongnam Governor Kim Kyung-soo's criticism of Lee Jae-myung's "one-man system," stating, "It is frustrating" and adding, "It is natural for the party to unite under the party leader."

On the 31st, Kang posted on his social media, "I do not agree with the term 'Lee Jae-myung's one-man system.' Lawmakers express various opinions during the party meeting. After a conclusion is reached, the party unites under the party leader," he wrote.

Former Governor of Gyeongnam Province Kim Kyung-soo visiting Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party, last December. Photo by Yonhap News

He continued, "Rather, framing the Democratic Party as a one-man system causes division within the party," and criticized, "(Former Governor Kim's claim) exactly matches the words of former leader Lee Nak-yeon and his close associates." Kang said, "The impeachment results have not yet come out, and the spark of rebellion is still alive in this grave situation. Ultimately, words that stab the Democratic Party and the party leader are acts that provide prey to the opposition," adding, "Now is the time to unite and fight against the People Power Party and the rebellion forces."

He further urged, "Until the clouds clear, fight together against the reactionary forces. When that fight ends, then speak confidently," emphasizing, "That is the proud history of the Democratic Party. I will stand with Leader Lee Jae-myung. That is the demand of party members, the people, and the spirit of the times."

On the afternoon of the last day of the Lunar New Year holiday, the 30th, Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, visited the former President Moon Jae-in's residence in Pyeongsan Village, Habuk-myeon, Yangsan City, Gyeongnam Province. He greeted supporters with a wave and shook hands with former President Moon. Photo by Yonhap News

Earlier, on the 29th, former Governor Kim criticized Leader Lee, saying, "Many people have distanced themselves or left the party in disgrace during the local elections and general elections held after the presidential election. We must sincerely apologize and make it possible for them to willingly return." In the same post, Kim listed four points, stating, "Leader Lee recently clearly expressed opposition to political retaliation. He emphasized that the core responsibility and duty of the ruling power is unity and inclusion."

Kang stated, "The proud history of the Democratic Party aligns with the paths and trajectories walked by Presidents Kim Dae-jung, Roh Moo-hyun, and Moon Jae-in," and added, "Leader Lee Jae-myung and Democratic Party lawmakers have never forgotten that history for a moment."

Meanwhile, on the 30th, former President Moon Jae-in, who visited Leader Lee at his private residence in Pyeongsan Village, Yangsan, Gyeongnam, urged the importance of unity and inclusion, and Leader Lee expressed agreement and reiterated his commitment to the unification efforts. It is reported that no conversation related to former Governor Kim’s post took place during the meeting.