Another Criticism of Pro-Moon by Song Young-gil: "Excluding and Personal Attacks Over Small Differences... We Must Change"

"Concerns Arise Over Slander of Rival Candidate in Presidential Race"
"Attacking as if Never Seeing Again Undermines General Election Competitiveness"

Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 21st. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] Song Young-gil, the leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, once again directed harsh criticism at the party's hardline pro-Moon Jae-in (친문) support base, urging them to "change." Earlier, at a recent debate, Song had sharply warned the hardline supporters, saying, "If you think complacently, you cannot protect President Moon Jae-in."

On the afternoon of the 21st, in an interview with SBS's 'Joo Young-jin's News Briefing,' when asked by the host, "Recently, with remarks like 'Daeggae-moon,' hasn't your feelings toward the hardline pro-Moon faction subtly surfaced?" Song replied, "To embrace the centrist forces and those who left the Democratic Party, we need to open our hearts."

He continued, "If you reject and attack just because of slight differences, and openly engage in personal attacks against certain candidates within the party, it becomes difficult for the party to expand its base," adding, "Now that we are in the presidential election phase, fierce competition and mutual negative campaigning among candidates are occurring, which is worrisome."

Song also expressed concern over the conflicts arising between supporters of Lee Jae-myung, the ruling party's presidential pre-candidate and Governor of Gyeonggi Province, and Lee Nak-yeon, former Democratic Party leader. He said, "As the party leader, it is not important who becomes president, but I am responsible for ensuring our party's candidate wins," adding, "If candidates fight each other recklessly, it is worrisome."

He further stated, "If the goal is not just to become our party's candidate but to become president, even if there is mutual criticism, there should be limits and standards based on the premise that once elected, the person will support me," and criticized, "If you attack each other as if you will never see each other again, you are undermining your own competitiveness in the general election."

Representative Song attended the Kwanhun Debate held at the Seoul Press Center on the morning of the 5th and delivered the keynote speech. / Photo by Yonhap News

This is not the first time Song has criticized the party's hardline supporters.

Earlier, on the 5th, at a discussion hosted by the Kwanhun Club at the Seoul Press Center, Song targeted some supporters who were trying to check Lee Jae-myung, the ruling party's leading presidential candidate, saying, "People who loudly claim to protect President Moon as 'Daeggae-moon' and think complacently like 'some can be president, some cannot; if a certain person wins, I'd rather vote for the opposition' will not be able to protect the president."

He also cited a specific example. He said, "At the end of the Roh Moo-hyun administration, some pro-Roh factions did not vote for Chung Dong-young. As a result, Lee Myung-bak won by an overwhelming margin of 5 million votes," adding, "This led to a tragic situation where President Roh Moo-hyun passed away due to thorough prosecutorial retaliation."

At the time, Song's mention of 'Daeggae-moon' sparked mixed reactions within the ruling party. The Lee Nak-yeon campaign immediately issued a statement saying, "He used the term 'Daeggae-moon' for some Democratic Party members," and criticized, "The 'One Team' Democratic Party, which has protected the third Democratic government and is running toward the fourth, wants a party leader who matches that dignity."

On the other hand, voices defending Song also emerged. Jo Eung-cheon, a lawmaker considered a principled member within the Democratic Party, said in a radio interview at the time, "As a leader, how could there not be concern that (discontented supporters) might vote for opposing candidates in the presidential election?" adding, "There remains a strong 'anti' sentiment toward certain candidates among party members."

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