Moon Jeong-bok Criticizes Kim Min-seok: 'The Party is Not Factional'

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 known for his pro-establishment stance, directly criticized Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, who is expected to compete with party leader Jung Cheong-rae in the upcoming August convention. "The unity of the party must come before individual political stability," he stated. In contrast, Jung emphasized unity by referencing President Lee Jae-myung.
During a Supreme Council meeting held in Gwangju on June 12, Moon remarked, "As we approach the convention, we need to be more cautious. Concerns for the party should be expressed through vision, not division." He also pointed out that with President Lee currently on an overseas trip, the Prime Minister's attendance at a party workshop was not an urgent matter.
Moon further asserted, "Governance should be handled appropriately, and party competition must be left to the party's procedures and judgments, which is fundamental to democracy. Any statements or actions should not be misinterpreted as burdensome to party affairs."
He emphasized, "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." This statement appears to address ongoing factional conflicts within the party regarding Jung's proposal for a one-member, one-vote system. Moon clarified, "The one-member, one-vote system is not a mechanism for any individual or specific faction; it is established on the principle that the party belongs to its members."
Meanwhile, Jung, speaking at the same meeting, noted, "President Lee often reminds us that our party's small differences are not greater than the differences with our opponents," and added, "We should not claim that different views are wrong. I hope we can become a more inclusive Democratic Party that acknowledges our differences."
The day before, some party members reportedly called for Jung's resignation during a general assembly, highlighting accountability for the results of the June 3 local elections and by-elections. Jung's remark that "the people are eternal, and the regime is short-lived" has also stirred controversy.

* This article has been translated by AI.