People Power Party in Turmoil Over Former President's Apology Controversy... Kim Jong-in Urges "Please Cooperate"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Lee Ji-eun and Lim Chun-han] The People Power Party, which is experiencing a boost in approval ratings due to conflicts between Chu Mi-ae and Yoon Seok-yeol and real estate issues, is facing intensified internal strife over apologies to former Presidents Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye. While Emergency Response Committee Chairman Kim Jong-in is determined to push forward with the apology at the risk of his position, opposition from party lawmakers is growing stronger, leading to a potential internal conflict.

On the morning of the 8th, at an emergency party meeting held at the National Assembly, Chairman Kim said, "We must do everything we can to win the hearts of the people and seize the opportunity to normalize this country once again," and asked for understanding, saying, "Please cooperate even if there are some inconveniences."

This remark appears to be in response to the recent criticism within the party, mainly from senior members, regarding whether to apologize to the former presidents. He stated, "I did not come to this Emergency Committee Chairman position to settle down," and added, "Because I believe we must achieve our goals, I ask everyone to cooperate in efforts to regain the people's trust, even if it causes some discomfort." He indirectly expressed that an apology to the former presidents is inevitable to win next year's by-elections, even if it is somewhat uncomfortable. Furthermore, he seems to have taken a last-ditch stance, indicating he would resign if the apology attempt faces strong internal opposition.

Opinions within the party are divided over his apology. Floor Spokesperson Bae Hyun-jin criticized the linkage of the apology with the chairman's position, writing on Facebook that day, "The chairman frequently says he will resign, but that is not the attitude of a mature adult," and added, "It is not threatening enough to be called a last-ditch effort." She continued, "It sounds like an irresponsible transient's excuse of 'I'm someone who can leave anytime,' which only invites countless ridicule," and added, "What Chairman Kim should apologize for is precisely that he served in opening a wrong history (the birth of the Moon Jae-in administration)."

Senior lawmaker Jeong Jin-seok, the longest-serving member in the party, also indirectly criticized by saying, "An apology and reflection by a party leader cannot be the goal in itself," and added, "If it is to lay the foundation for a more vigorous advance and counterattack, then (it is possible)." Former Liberty Korea Party leader Hong Joon-pyo, who is demanding reinstatement, raised his voice, saying, "An apology is a path of submission," and added, "Regarding the two former presidents, we should break through in the YS (President Kim Young-sam) style, not choose the path of submission like DJ (President Kim Dae-jung), which will only cause another secondary controversy."

On the other hand, lawmaker Cho Soo-jin defended Chairman Kim by referring to the past 'declared extinction' of the pro-Roh (pro-Roh Moo-hyun) faction. She said, "Even now, it is excessively late," and added, "A desperate reflection and a 'new declared extinction' should have been made before the September regular session." Cho emphasized, "It took eight years after the desperate reflection, summarized as the declared extinction, for the party named the Democratic Party to become the largest party in the National Assembly," and added, "The main opposition party does not receive the people's choice because it shows neither reflection, responsibility, nor shame."

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