Park Ji-hyun "Yoon Ho-jung Refused Joint Appeal Statement... Regrettable Dismissal as 'Personal Opinion'"

"Significant Differences Within the Party Are Possible"
"A Party That Calls for New Voices but Cannot Accept Them Should Not Exist"
"Concern Over Groups Struggling to Accept Change in the Democratic Party"

Park Ji-hyun (left), Co-Chair of the Democratic Party's Standing Election Committee, is speaking at the joint meeting of the election committee for national balance and livelihood stability held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the morning of the 25th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Jung-wan] Park Ji-hyun, co-chair of the Emergency Response Committee of the Democratic Party of Korea, addressed criticisms on the 25th that her "appeal to the public" was an "individual opinion not agreed upon by the party," stating, "There have been procedural criticisms regarding the announcement of the appeal, but before the press conference, I proposed to co-chair Yoon Ho-jung that we do it together, but he expressed his refusal."

In an interview with Peace Broadcasting radio's "Oh Chang-ik's News Sympathy" that afternoon, Park said, "I also conveyed the purpose and content to Kim Min-seok, the general director of the election campaign headquarters. (Kim also) expressed his refusal. I express regret over co-chair Yoon dismissing it as a personal opinion."

This was a rebuttal to Yoon Ho-jung, who, regarding Park's call for the retirement of the 586 generation (people in their 50s, who were university students in the 1980s, and born in the 1960s) and reform to overcome fandom politics made in the public appeal the previous day and at the joint meeting of the campaign headquarters on the same day, said there was no prior consultation within the leadership and "I understand it as a personal statement."

Regarding the background of the appeal, Park explained, "Although the election is approaching, and we said we would show a new image, innovate, and reform after the presidential election, I felt that it did not lead to significant action. I thought the Democratic Party should show change from the public's perspective, and I spoke about what I could at that point."

On the internal discord surrounding the appeal, she said, "I think various disagreements can naturally arise within the Democratic Party. Rather than viewing it solely as internal division, I hope people can understand it as a situation where diverse opinions exist."

She added, "I believe the party has been struggling since the presidential election, and I think I was called because a new voice was needed. If the party cannot accept this voice, I think it is not acceptable."

Park also emphasized, "It is not from an ageist perspective. I sincerely respect the 586 generation for achieving democratic accomplishments through the democratization movement. We need to embrace diverse voices and create a changed Democratic Party, but I have a sense of problem with groups that find it difficult to accept that change."

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