'97 Generation Cohort Theory' First Challenge by Kang Byung-won... "A New Generation Will Lead the Party" (Comprehensive)

Declared Candidacy Emphasizing 'Innovation' at the National Assembly
Discussed Candidacy with Senior Pro-Moon Figures the Day Before

Kang Byung-won, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, is holding a press conference announcing his candidacy for party leader at the National Assembly Communication Office on the 29th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy reporters Naju-seok and Park Joon-yi] Kang Byung-won, a two-term lawmaker of the Democratic Party of Korea born in 1971, announced his candidacy for the party leadership election on the 29th. Kang said, "Please pour new wine into new wineskins," adding, "I will become the new party leader and create a Democratic Party united as one." Regarding the party's 'generation change theory,' he emphasized that senior lawmakers such as Hong Young-pyo, Lee In-young, and Jeon Hae-cheol willingly gave up their positions for innovation.

At a press conference held at the National Assembly on the same day, Kang declared his intention to run for party leader in the party convention. He stated, "I am announcing my candidacy for party leader to overcome the party's crisis and leadership crisis and to build a new Democratic Party."

He said, "Without leadership that is armed with public responsibility and dedication to restore morality and unify the party as one, the party's crisis cannot be overcome," adding, "A new Democratic Party, a competent Democratic Party! I will now take on the task of young and dynamic unifying leadership."

Kang expressed concerns that the upcoming party convention might be marred by factional fights, saying, "I am running to overcome those concerns and to sprout the seeds of unity." He stated, "A new Democratic Party led by new figures is the surest sign of party innovation and unity."

He added, "If the leader changes, the Democratic Party changes, and if the Democratic Party changes, the Republic of Korea changes," urging, "Please unite your strength so that new figures can practice innovation and unity."

After the press conference, Kang explained to reporters that he had met with pro-Moon Jae-in faction senior lawmakers such as Hong Young-pyo, Lee In-young, and Jeon Hae-cheol to inform them of his decision to run. He said, "I had a breakfast meeting with Lee yesterday. I briefly discussed my candidacy declaration with Hong this morning, and Jeon also gave advice on the declaration. All three met with me directly or indirectly over the past two days, giving me the opportunity to talk about my candidacy and share my thoughts."

He specifically mentioned that the day before, Lee and the 'Yanggangyangbak' group (Kang Hoon-sik, Kang Byung-won, Park Jumin, Park Yong-jin) met to exchange opinions regarding the party convention candidacy. Kang said, "Lee said that the generation change theory should not fade away and that everyone must make decisions and play their roles," adding, "He himself will run, but he wouldn't say it like that. Rather, he spoke on behalf of the 97 generation to encourage and support them instead of stating his own position."

He emphasized the '97 generation innovation theory,' saying that the seniors willingly gave their positions to the younger generation. Kang said, "It is true that Hong Young-pyo, Lee In-young, and Jeon Hae-cheol, who gave way to the younger generation, are older, but after many discussions and conversations with them, I have never thought they hold outdated views. However, they are politicians who live by the public's gaze and votes."

He continued, "The public says that because the party has been in power for a long time, the Democratic Party fails to gain trust, so they boldly opened the door to a new generation," adding, "To repay their attitude and decision of putting the party first, the new generation must compete confidently and properly lead the party."

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