Kim Min-seok, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, appointed Jeon Yong-ki as the youth committee member on October 20, prompting backlash from Choi Min-hee, a senior member aligned with the pro-Cheongrae faction. The party is currently experiencing heightened factional tensions between the pro-Myeong (Lee Jae-myung) and pro-Cheongrae groups. Kim had previously promised to pursue a politics of unity following his election.
During a party meeting at the National Assembly, Kim explained, "We concluded that electing a youth committee member would overlap with the youth chair's electorate, so I decided to appoint directly."
However, Choi expressed her discontent on Facebook, stating, "Kim suddenly revealed the names of two appointed committee members based on the premise that 'the secretary-general reported that electing a youth committee member was not possible.'" She added, "I was taken aback as there was no prior consultation with the committee."
Choi pointed out that according to Article 26, Section 4 of the party constitution, "appointed committee members are designated by the party leader and confirmed through a committee vote." She emphasized that the constitution stipulates that one appointed member should be a strategic regional figure, arguing that the decision should involve at least some consultation with the committee. "How can we properly decide if the list of appointees is suddenly revealed at a general meeting without any prior discussion?" she questioned.
She further urged, "Please adhere to at least the minimum procedures. During the party convention, Kim and the other two candidates publicly promised to appoint a youth committee member through an election process. How can we expect to gain the support of the 2030 generation if we do not even keep our promises to them?"
Choi also highlighted that there is an upcoming election for the youth chair, suggesting that the decision should be reconsidered, as the youth chair could automatically become a committee member.
Meanwhile, Kim appointed Jeon Yong-ki, along with Kwon Mi-kyung, chair of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions' National Public Solidarity Union, to represent the labor sector.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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