Democratic Party Caught in Bundang Controversy, Lee Jae-myung Responsibility Debate Swirls

Warning Against Overinterpretation of Intra- and Extra-Party Lines

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] As the possibility of a split within the Democratic Party of Korea, which has been virtually a 'taboo word,' is openly discussed, internal conflicts within the party are escalating. Voices from the anti-Lee Jae-myung faction and the pro-Moon Jae-in camp are warning that "if Representative Lee Jae-myung runs, a crisis of party division may arise," raising concerns that the 2016 'Honam non-Moon faction' defection incident could be repeated.

On the 29th, Representative Kim Min-seok clarified on the radio, "I wrote on SNS that there is a worry that 'if things continue like this, won't we lose (the election)?' but many interpreted it as a split," adding, "I realized and confirmed in reverse how serious everyone's concerns are." Earlier, Kim wrote on his Facebook, "Division has been the formula for the Democratic Party's defeat. We must not continue like this, but after the workshop, I thought we might lose if things continue as they are." Previously, former Minister of SMEs and Startups Park Young-sun also pointed out at a forum regarding Lee's candidacy, "Isn't there a possibility of a split?" and said, "As someone responsible for the presidential and local elections, a time for reflection is necessary."

However, inside and outside the party, there is a strong tendency to caution against overinterpreting the split rumors. A second-term Democratic Party lawmaker told this outlet in a phone interview, "The party's strength is not as weak as during the defection of Ahn Cheol-soo and Chun Jung-bae," and drew a line by calling it "a warning shot level of talk." On the other hand, another Democratic Party floor official said in a phone interview, "If the party is to reform, even if it faces a crisis of division, change is necessary," adding, "Although it cannot be said publicly, there is a consensus that a shock equivalent to a split is needed."

On the same day, Representative Seol Hoon appeared on the radio and said, "There was a past experience of a split, which was truly unfortunate, and it is unthinkable to repeat it," and added, "Representative Lee must make a decision (not to run)."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.