The Democratic Party is set to launch Democratic Party TV on September 1, amid escalating factional tensions between the pro-Lee Jae-myung and pro-Jung Cheong-rae camps during the party's convention. Some analysts suggest the new channel may be an attempt to counter the popular YouTube program 'Kim Eo-jun's News Factory,' which enjoys strong support from the pro-Jung faction. However, others believe that a coexistence through competition with 'News Factory' is possible.
According to the Democratic Party, Democratic Party TV will begin broadcasting at 7 a.m. on September 1. The channel is a revamped version of the existing YouTube channel 'Deli Minju,' expanding its role as a platform for delivering news and messages produced by the party.
Kim Nam-jun, the party's publicity committee chair, stated, "We aim to create an open content platform called 'Open TV' that encompasses both progressive and centrist perspectives. Rather than competing with existing excellent progressive channels, we will collaborate to create a healthy and dignified public discourse ecosystem that incorporates diverse viewpoints." Representative Kim Min-seok emphasized, "Democratic Party TV is like a textbook, while other media are like workbooks. There will be more collaboration than competition."
However, some are paying attention to the overlap in broadcasting times with 'News Factory,' which has 2.32 million subscribers and has established itself as a major media platform featuring prominent Democratic politicians.
Despite Kim and Representative Kim's explanations of Democratic Party TV's purpose, there remains a perception that the involvement of the former 'Mae Bul Show' production team and expanded collaboration with existing content creators may be a strategy to counter 'News Factory.'
During the recent party convention, derogatory terms were exchanged between the pro-Jung and pro-Lee factions, including references to former President Moon Jae-in and other prominent figures.
Additionally, factional tensions flared during a two-day internal workshop held from August 27, following the convention. During the workshop, Representative Kim mentioned his rival, Representative Jung, by name multiple times, asserting that his approach had received overwhelming support from party members. In response, Representative Jung expressed regret on Facebook, stating, "I am disappointed that my name was used as a tool for his argument." Some party members also criticized Representative Kim's remarks as inappropriate. In defense, Representative Kim argued, "Debates on policies and directions are desirable. If meetings are being broadcast live, why shouldn't we discuss the use of names? The late Presidents Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun were representatives of fierce internal debate and discussion."
Political analyst Park Sang-byeong commented in a phone interview with Aju Economy that Democratic Party TV is a strategic move by Representative Kim, expressing hope that it could mitigate the negative aspects of YouTube politics and foster a competitive coexistence with 'News Factory.' He also predicted that it could demonstrate to the People Power Party, which is swayed by YouTube politics, what public discourse through YouTube should look like.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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