Democratic Party's Reform 'Pause for Now', a Presidential Election Task? ... Could Become a Conflict Trigger

Complete Abolition of Prosecutorial Investigation Rights, Media Reform, and More

On the 2nd, Song Young-gil, who was elected as the new leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is receiving the party flag from floor leader Yoon Ho-jung. Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers Group

Song Young-gil, the newly appointed leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, Yoon Ho-jung, the new floor leader, and the newly appointed Supreme Council members visited the grave of the late President Park Chung-hee at the National Seoul Memorial Cemetery in Dongjak-gu, Seoul, on the 3rd, paid their respects, and signed the guestbook. Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers Group

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] The new leadership of the Democratic Party of Korea is prioritizing livelihood issues and expressing the view that reforms require more time. Considering that the party’s presidential primary schedule will intensify next month, it is highly likely that topics such as the complete abolition of the prosecution’s investigative authority will be deferred to the next presidential election. This means that the Moon Jae-in administration’s pledges will remain unfinished, potentially becoming a flashpoint for internal dissent and conflict within the party.

Baek Hye-ryun, a newly elected Supreme Council member of the Democratic Party, appeared on MBC Radio’s "Kim Jong-bae’s Focus" on the 4th and said, "There is a strong reflection that we have not paid enough attention to livelihood issues due to the by-election defeat," adding, "Above all, there is a consensus that vaccine distribution, real estate, and livelihood tasks must be prioritized. The atmosphere is to focus first on the most important issues."

This was in response to a question about "How is the party proceeding with Prosecution Reform Season 2 and the establishment of the Serious Crime Investigation Agency?" Before the by-elections, the Democratic Party’s Prosecution Reform Special Committee actively pushed for legislation to establish the Serious Crime Investigation Agency, but now it must be reconsidered through party meetings. Baek, who has served as the ruling party’s floor deputy on the National Assembly’s Legislation and Judiciary Committee and has been at the forefront of prosecution reform, clearly reflects the Democratic Party’s changed stance.

Song Young-gil, the newly elected leader of the Democratic Party, said in a media interview the day before, regarding prosecution and media reform tasks, "President Moon Jae-in also sent a congratulatory message to the party convention saying that ‘reform and livelihood’ must move forward in tandem. We will work closely with the floor leader to resolve issues mainly through standing committees."

Before the party leadership election, he also mentioned, "During the Uri Party era (2003?2007), despite much talk about the four major reform legislations, none were accomplished." This reflects the view that now is not the time to focus on reform tasks.

Yoon Ho-jung, the Democratic Party floor leader, also likened livelihood to the front wheel and reform to the rear wheel. In a recent interview with Asia Economy, he said, "There is a need to explain to the public why prosecution and media reforms are necessary and why they must be done now, and to seek their consent, so livelihood must take precedence. Real estate and COVID-19 related bills come first."

However, voices advocating for pushing reforms as originally planned are also emerging. Kim Yong-min, who was elected as a new Supreme Council member, said at the Supreme Council meeting the day before, "We will boldly and swiftly promote various livelihood reforms to eradicate not only prosecution reform but also media reform and real estate speculation," adding, "We will ensure that the Prosecution Reform Special Committee can operate promptly."

Song has been evaluated as relatively less aligned with the ‘Pro-Moon (Pro-Moon Jae-in)’ faction and visited the graves of former Presidents Kim Dae-jung, Kim Young-sam, Park Chung-hee, and Rhee Syngman the day before. After visiting President Park’s grave, he wrote in the guestbook, "Self-reliant defense, industrialized nation. I remember the president’s dedication to national development." While this appears to emphasize expansion toward the center and integration, if he is perceived as lukewarm on reform, it could provoke backlash and conflict both inside and outside the party.

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