Harsh Criticism from Ruling Party Reelected Member: "Im Hye-sook Needs to Make a Decision, Address Hypocrisy, and the Democratic Party Without Democracy"

On the 11th, Song Young-gil Holds Private Meeting with Ruling Party Reelected Lawmakers
"Victory in Next Year's Presidential Election Difficult Without Reflection," Delivers Candid Remarks

[Asia Economy Reporters Oh Ju-yeon and Jeon Jin-young] Democratic Party re-elected lawmakers demanded a clear stance from the party regarding the three ministerial candidates during a closed-door meeting with Party Leader Song Young-gil. It is evaluated that there was criticism over the lukewarm attitude and failure to reach a conclusion.

On the morning of the 11th, Democratic Party re-elected lawmakers held a debate over the positions of the three ministerial candidates Im Hye-sook, Park Jun-young, and Noh Hyung-wook during a closed-door meeting with Leader Song.

On that day, Lawmaker Kim Byung-wook indirectly defended the candidates, saying, "Compared to the past, the three ministerial candidates have fewer flaws." However, regarding candidate Im Hye-sook, he said, "There is a fact of false address registration, but as a female candidate, there is a side that should be protected. Nevertheless, a decision from the party is necessary," urging a swift decision. Kim said, "Yesterday's presidential press conference was regrettable," and added, "Shouldn't the party leadership make a decision independently from the president?"

Voices calling for self-reflection within the Democratic Party after the April 7 by-elections also emerged.

Lawmaker Cho Eung-cheon pointed out, "There are many reasons for the party's crushing defeat in the April 7 by-elections, but one was that differing opinions were not tolerated," and criticized, "There is no 'democracy' in the Democratic Party."

Cho said, "Having served as a standing committee secretary, important policies were not decided by the committees but were handed down from above," and added, "Even in the last year, we must move centered on the party." He emphasized, "If we follow the Blue House's requests until the presidential election, we must carefully consider whether it will be a positive factor for the election."

Lawmaker Wi Seong-gon also said, "The media has mentioned 'double standards,' 'hypocrisy,' and 'incompetence,' but we have never officially discussed these," and pointed out, "We need to look closely at what was double standards and what was hypocrisy."

He further expressed concern, saying, "We need to specifically examine the issues of Cho Kuk and Park Won-soon and clearly establish the party's stance. Otherwise, we will be defeated again in the presidential election."

Regarding the term 'Chosok 5' used to refer to the five first-term lawmakers in their 20s and 30s who publicly spoke about the 'Cho Kuk incident,' he said, "They were righteous outlaws," and added, "We need to judge whether they were 'five villains' or truly righteous outlaws who sincerely reflected for the party."

Lawmaker Kim Jong-min also said, "The party was shocked after the by-elections, and various voices emerged," and added, "We must trust the new leadership to orderly gather the demands within the party. It is necessary to open up space for this."

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