News of Song Young-gil Elected as Ruling Party Leader, Opposition Says "Hope to Move Beyond Divisive Politics"

People Power Party and People Party Convey Congratulations Along with Concerned Advice

On the 2nd, Song Young-gil, who was elected as the new leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is giving his acceptance speech. Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers Group

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] With Song Young-gil elected as the new leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, the opposition expressed congratulations and hopes that this would serve as an opportunity to move away from factionalism and dogmatism.

On the afternoon of the 2nd, Song was elected party leader at the emergency party convention held at the Democratic Party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, securing 35.60% of the votes, surpassing candidates Hong Young-pyo (35.01%) and Woo Won-shik (29.38%).

In response, the People Power Party delivered a congratulatory message through a spokesperson’s statement. On the same day, Yoon Hee-seok, spokesperson for the People Power Party, said, "We congratulate Song Young-gil on his election as the new leader of the Democratic Party. We hope that with Song’s election today, we can see the ruling party shed arrogance and dogmatism and focus on the livelihood of the people."

However, he expressed greater concern than expectation regarding Song. He pointed out, "The absurd defense of North Korea’s demolition of the inter-Korean joint liaison office by saying ‘Isn’t it something that they didn’t shoot prisoners?’ and the excuse of ‘cultural differences’ regarding the sexual harassment by a New Zealand diplomat still make the public uncomfortable."

He also criticized the Democratic Party, saying, "The way the Democratic Party showed itself during the party leader election process was also very disappointing," and added, "It was not a ‘primary to protect the people’ but a ‘primary to protect the president.’"

The People Party also issued a spokesperson’s statement on the same day, offering congratulations along with cautious advice. Ahn Hye-jin, spokesperson for the People Party, said, "We congratulate the emergence of the new leadership of the Democratic Party," and advised, "They must deeply reflect on the past mistakes of abusing power that should have been used solely for the people, becoming a symbol of double standards and incompetence."

She further pointed out, "Under the guise of the candlelight regime, the reckless government that regressed democracy and destroyed the rule of law, and the mistakes of dividing the people and leading to division and agitation must never be repeated."

Finally, she stated, "We sincerely hope that they achieve cooperation with the opposition and show a mature ruling party worthy of applause, and that today marks a turning point to wash away the stigma of the current administration."

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