Park Yong-jin, Lee Jae-myung's Claim of 'Secret Collusion with Prosecutors' Called "Self-Inflicted Controversy"

"Called for Party Unity, Then Suddenly Stirred Up Controversy"
"Remarks Benefiting Internal Rebellion Followers"

Park Yong-jin, a former Democratic Party lawmaker classified as part of the 'Bi-myeong (anti-Lee Jae-myung) faction,' criticized Lee Jae-myung's claim of a 'Bi-myeong faction collusion with the prosecution,' saying, "I feel like I'm the only fool again."

On the 7th, Park wrote on Facebook, "I was surprised to hear Lee's 'Maebul Show' remarks," adding, "I don't understand why he suddenly stirs controversy over past events after delivering messages of unity by meeting various party members, including myself."

Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung (left) and former lawmaker Park Yong-jin are shaking hands and greeting each other at a restaurant in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 21st. Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers Group

On the 5th, Lee appeared on the YouTube broadcast 'Maebul Show' and claimed that some Democratic Party lawmakers who supported the arrest motion against him in the 21st National Assembly had colluded with the prosecution, saying, "It was a scheme between some within the party and the prosecution." However, he admitted there was no clear evidence, stating, "There is no proof of collusion, only speculation."

In response, Park said, "I don't understand why the party leader would make remarks that pour cold water on the atmosphere of party unity he has worked hard to create," and criticized, "It is hard to accept claims that add wounds to comrades and their supporters who, despite suffering from exclusion and rejection in the last general election, did not leave the party and were willing to play even a small role for the Democratic Party's victory."

He added, "Although I have painful memories personally, I met Lee because I believe we should not ignore the greater cause of 'the victory of the people and democracy' due to past bad relations, and we talked about joining forces for the Democratic Party's victory." He continued, "Since Lee has met various non-mainstream figures within the party, I was expecting concrete follow-up measures for unity, so this situation is awkward," and pointed out, "It has become beneficial to internal rebellion followers who hoped for division and strife within the Democratic Party." He emphasized, "Winning narrowly only reflects the reality of national division. We must win overwhelmingly to secure momentum for national unity."

In the broadcast that day, Lee also denied allegations that he excluded Democratic Party lawmakers who voted in favor of the arrest motion from the last general election nominations, saying, "I did not specifically remove them. If the party is used as a tool for private desires and makes secret deals with opposing parties or violent groups, what would the party become? This is the result of party members holding them accountable." He also stated that his 'party unity efforts,' including meetings with Bi-myeong faction members, will continue going forward.