The Democratic Party is set to launch Democratic Party TV on November 1, amid escalating factional tensions between the pro-Lee Jae-myung and pro-Jung Cheong-rae camps during the party's convention process. Some analysts suggest the new channel may be an attempt to counter the popular YouTube program 'News Factory,' which has strong support from the pro-Jung faction. However, others believe that competition with 'News Factory' could lead to a coexistence relationship.
According to the Democratic Party, Democratic Party TV will begin broadcasting at 7 a.m. on November 1. The channel is an expansion of the existing YouTube channel 'Deli Minju,' which previously conveyed internal party news, and will now serve 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." Kim Min-seok, the party leader, emphasized, "Democratic Party TV can be seen as a textbook, while other media are like workbooks. There will be little competition and much collaboration."
However, some have noted that the timing of Democratic Party TV overlaps with 'News Factory.' The program boasts 2.32 million subscribers and has established itself as a major media platform featuring prominent Democratic politicians.
Despite Kim and Kim Min-seok's explanations of the channel's purpose, skepticism remains that the inclusion of former 'Mae Bul Show' production staff and expanded collaboration with existing content creators may be mechanisms 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 the 27th, where Kim Min-seok mentioned Jung Cheong-rae's name multiple times, asserting that his approach received overwhelming support from party members. In response, Jung expressed regret on Facebook for being used as a tool in Kim's argument.
Some party members criticized Kim's remarks as inappropriate. In defense, Kim stated, "Debates on policies and directions are desirable. If meetings are broadcast live, why shouldn't we discuss the use of names? The late Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun were representatives of fierce internal party debates and discussions."
Political analyst Park Sang-byeong commented in a phone interview with Aju Economy that Democratic Party TV represents a strategic move by Kim Min-seok, expressing hope that it could mitigate the negative impacts of YouTube politics and foster a competitive coexistence with 'News Factory.' He also predicted that it could demonstrate to the People Power Party the essence of public discourse through YouTube.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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