Jung Cheongrae Criticizes Kim Minseok for Using Brief Conversation in Presentation: "Microphone Dictatorship"

Jung Expresses Displeasure Over Kim Minseok's Mention of "Moderate Expansion Theory"

Former Democratic Party leader Jung Cheongrae expressed his displeasure toward party leader Kim Minseok, who referenced their conversation during a lawmaker workshop, calling it "microphone dictatorship" and asking, "Isn't this extremely rude?"

On August 27, Jung posted on social media under the title "Regret Over Kim Minseok's So-Called Difference in Methodology," stating, "I regret that during today's lawmaker workshop, party leader Kim mentioned my real name and used it as a tool to develop his own argument."

(Yeongjongdo=Yonhap News) Photo by Kwangmo Hwang – On the 27th, Kim Minseok, the leader of the Democratic Party of Korea (right), presents a plaque of appreciation to Representative Chung Cheongrae, the former party leader, at the National Assembly Workshop held at Inspire Resort in Jung-gu, Incheon, in preparation for the 2026 regular session of the National Assembly. 2026.8.27 hkmpooh@yna.co.kr (End)

Jung said, "The conversation I had with party leader Kim regarding the so-called centrist theory lasted just 1 to 2 minutes on the floor of the National Assembly yesterday, August 26," adding, "I truly had no idea that our brief exchange yesterday would become a topic for today’s presentation." He further stated, "Cutting out the context, only listening to what he wants to hear and saying what he wants to say, and referencing a competitor by name so unilaterally to make his own point is practically violent."

On this day, Kim made reference to his conversation with Jung during a lawmaker workshop held at Inspire Entertainment Resort in Yeongjong-gu, Incheon, in preparation for the 2026 regular National Assembly session. Kim stated, "Former party leader Jung is a prominent advocate of 'there is no center.' Therefore, his position is that we must win elections by uniting our camp." He also explained that both he and President Lee Jaemyung believe expansion toward moderate conservatives is necessary.

In response, Jung clarified, "'There is no center,' as I stated, comes with a premise. It means that so-called centrists support the ruling party only when it acts as a true ruling party, and support the opposition party only when it functions as a proper opposition. From that perspective, there is virtually no center, and what exists is the swing voter bloc."

He continued, "My argument is a subject for debate, not something to be condemned as ‘your opinion is wrong’ by the party leader holding the microphone alone. There is nothing to gain from humiliating a competitor in such a one-sided manner at a party convention."

Jung added, "Although I seriously considered whether responding to Kim’s rude and violent 'microphone dictatorship' might spark internal party strife, I am raising this issue in the spirit of fostering a healthy debate about direction and policy."

He stated, "Let me share a quote from President Lee Jaemyung: 'Truth is in the domain that is not subject to criticism, but policy is always open to criticism.' In that sense, neither my strategy of expanding reach through progressive reform, nor Kim's centrist and pragmatic expansion argument can be regarded as absolute truth. At the very least, I question whether he might be mistaken in thinking that his claim—that 'you are wrong and I am right'—is some kind of absolute truth about a topic that has been debated for decades."

Jung went on to say, "Right now, while various policies and positions are important, isn’t trust the most urgent matter we need to resolve? In that respect, I hope party leader Kim will acknowledge that today's one-sided humiliation did nothing, at minimum, to restore trust."

After seeing Jung's social media post, Kim responded, "I respect former leader Jung’s remarks and his stance," adding, "The tension in the party convention stemming from differences in methodology is something we should overcome together through healthy debate." He also wrote, "If discomfort was caused, I seek your understanding. I would welcome it if former leader Jung and I could continue giving special lectures and engage in further discussions for party members."

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