Democratic Party Becomes 'Super Ruling Party'... To Avoid Repeating Open Uri Party Mistakes

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] "We must deeply reflect on the pain of the Uri Party."

On the 17th, Lee Hae-chan, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, mentioned the Uri Party era, which is considered a 'dark history' of the Democratic Party, during the disbandment ceremony of the election committee because the political situation at that time is similar to the present. In the 2004 17th general election, the Uri Party secured a majority with 152 seats, buoyed by the 'impeachment backlash' against former President Roh Moo-hyun. The ruling party then pushed forward the 'Four Major Reform Bills (National Security Law, Private School Act, Past Affairs Act, Media Relations Act).' However, it was criticized for being obsessed with ideological issues, and combined with factional conflicts and unstable party-government relations, it ultimately lost in the 17th presidential election and the 18th general election. Especially in the 18th general election, it suffered a 'crushing defeat' with only 81 seats. Lee described this as a 'fall into the abyss.'

After 16 years, the president changed from 'Roh Moo-hyun' to 'Moon Jae-in,' and the ruling party again secured a majority of seats. The four major reform bills shifted to issues such as prosecutorial reform, media reform, and the investigation of the Sewol ferry disaster. This inevitably evokes a sense of d?j? vu.

Lee Hae-chan, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, and Lee In-young, floor leader, are attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 20th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

In political circles, two main conditions are cited to prevent the Democratic Party from repeating the Uri Party's mistakes. First is overcoming the economic crisis caused by the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The Uri Party pushed through contentious bills like the National Security Law while almost neglecting people's livelihoods. In a situation where citizens are struggling more than ever due to COVID-19, focusing on reform tasks somewhat detached from daily life, as was done then, could backfire. The suggestion is to build public trust by early overcoming of COVID-19 and then gradually accomplish reform tasks.

The second is building cooperative relations with the opposition parties. The Democratic Party secured 180 seats this time, enough to do everything except constitutional amendments. However, unilateral dominance by the ruling party could provoke opposition backlash and alienate public sentiment. The 103 seats held by the United Future Party can be interpreted as reflecting public opinion that 'at least some checks and balances' are necessary, even if it strengthens the ruling party.

This analysis is also evident in the personal letter Lee sent to the elected members. In the letter, Lee stated, "The most urgent duty is to successfully overcome the COVID-19 and economic crises and to reform laws and systems so that we can actively respond to economic and social changes after COVID-19," adding, "To do this well, we must be meticulous yet bold, and establish an integrated relationship of healthy competition and cooperation with the opposition."

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