Moon Jeong-bok Criticizes Kim Min-seok: 'The Democratic Party Is Not a Factional Party'

Moon Jeong-bok, a member of the Democratic Party, questions during a National Assembly audit at Jeonbuk National University on October 22 last year. [Photo=Yonhap News]

Moon Jeong-bok, a senior member of the Democratic Party, criticized Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, who is expected to compete with party leader Jung Cheong-rae in the upcoming August convention, stating, "The unity of the party must come before individual political stability." In contrast, Jung emphasized unity by referencing President Lee Jae-myung.
During a Supreme Council meeting held in Gwangju on June 12, Moon urged caution, saying, "As we approach the convention, we must be more prudent. Concerns for the party should be expressed through vision, not division."
He pointed out, "In the current situation where President Lee is on an overseas trip, it is not urgent for the acting prime minister to attend a party workshop."
Moon further stated, "Governance should be handled appropriately, and party competition should be left to the party's procedures and judgments, which is fundamental to democracy. Any remarks or actions should not be misinterpreted as burdensome to party duties."
He asserted, "The Democratic Party is not a factional party. It is a party of its members and is responsible for the lives of the people, and we will steadfastly uphold the sovereignty of our members."
Amid internal conflicts over Jung's proposal for a one-member, one-vote system, Moon's comments appear to address these tensions. He explained, "The one-member, one-vote system is not a mechanism for any one person or specific faction; it is established on the principle that the party belongs to its members."
However, Jung responded at the meeting, stating, "President Lee often mentioned that our party's small differences are greater than those of our opponents, emphasizing unity." He added, "Different does not mean wrong. We should not claim that differences are wrong, and I hope we can become a more inclusive Democratic Party that acknowledges each other's differences."
The day before, some lawmakers reportedly called for Jung's resignation during a party meeting, highlighting accountability for the results of the June 3 local elections and by-elections, indicating a need for damage control. Jung's remark that "the people are eternal, and power is short-lived" has also stirred controversy.

* This article has been translated by AI.