Jo Jeong-sik "We haven't even started the primary... Does Kim Dong-yeon want a flower palanquin?"

Low Box Office Performance and Concerns Over Hasty Progress Draw Sharp Criticism Toward the Party

Jo Jeong-sik, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea who declared his candidacy for the Gyeonggi Province governor election, holds a press conference on the 5th at the National Assembly Communication Hall, proposing the formation of a working group for primary election rules and a direct voting system with public participation. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Junyi Park] Jo Jeong-sik, a preliminary candidate for Governor of Gyeonggi Province and a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, repeatedly urged the party’s nomination management committee to consider a 'national participation primary.' He expressed concerns that the merger procedure with his competing candidate Kim Dong-yeon, leader of the New Wave party, might be delayed, resulting in a rushed primary.

On the 10th, Jo held a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Office and stated this. He said, "On the 5th, I proposed a national participation primary to the candidates participating in the Democratic Party’s Gyeonggi Province governor primary, allowing any voter in Gyeonggi Province to apply and participate in the primary. I suggested that the candidates reach an agreement by the 8th, but unfortunately, no agreement was reached."

He added, "I deeply regret that the proposal to give new right-holding party members and supporters, such as the 'Gaeddal' who strongly support Lee Jae-myung, the party’s standing adviser, the opportunity to participate in the primary to boost voter turnout and enhance competitiveness in the general election was rejected. Although the candidates failed to reach an agreement, I ask the nomination management committee to carefully review this sincere proposal."

Jo also criticized the New Wave party, which merged with the Democratic Party. He said, "There is serious concern that the Democratic Party’s Gyeonggi Province governor primary will be rushed, leading to inadequate policy and qualification verification. Considering that our party decided to finalize the candidate by the end of April, less than three weeks remain for the primary period. However, the primary process has not even started yet."

He continued, "This is because Kim, the leader of New Wave, cannot participate in the Democratic Party primary until the merger is completed. This is not a normal situation. Party members are confused and expressing concerns. If Kim wanted to run as a Democratic Party candidate, the merger should have been expedited."

He further stated, "At this point, a rushed primary is inevitable, and Kim will find it difficult to avoid responsibility. I hope Kim will answer whether he desires a smooth ride rather than a fierce primary and verification process, and whether he is thinking in a self-centered way rather than a one-team primary."

Regarding the prosecution and media reform promoted by the Democratic Party, Jo insisted on passing the legislation within the April extraordinary session. He said, "The first task for the Democratic Party to become a strong and reformist party is 'prosecution and media reform.' The prosecution republic is revealing its true colors by wielding its blade. Even before the inauguration of the Yoon Seok-yeol administration, comprehensive targeted investigations against the Moon Jae-in government, adviser Lee Jae-myung, and the democratic progressive camp have begun as political retaliation."

He added, "Courage and action are needed. We must mobilize all party forces to gather the power of all citizens who want to protect democracy and reform prosecution and media, so that reform legislation can be passed this April."

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