Jo Eung-cheon: "Lee Jae-myung's words focus on people's livelihood, but his actions boost the morale of 'Gaeddal'"

Opposition Leadership's Calls for 'Kim Geon-hee Special Prosecutor' and 'Han Dong-hoon Impeachment'
"Are Supreme Council Members Competing in Hardline Remarks?" Expresses Concern

Cho Eung-cheon, Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] Jo Eung-cheon, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, evaluated Lee Jae-myung, the party leader who ordered the installation of a 'Party Member Zone' at the Democratic Party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, saying, "He talks about people's livelihood, but his actions favor the hardline party members."

On the 1st, Jo appeared on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' and said, "It's still too early to give an overall assessment since (Leader Lee) has only been in office for three or four days," but made the above comment.

Jo said, "It seems (Leader Lee) emphasizes centrism, pragmatism, and people's livelihood, but his actions include installing a Party Member Zone inside the party headquarters, creating electronic party membership cards, and disclosing contact information of party officials," adding, "This was a concentrated demand from the 'Gaeddal' (Gaehyeok-ui Ddal, meaning 'Daughters of Reform,' Lee's hardline supporters) on the party member petition board. He is fulfilling the Gaeddal's petition."

The day before, Leader Lee instructed to set up a Party Member Zone where party members can enter and exit the headquarters and to introduce electronic party membership cards that can be used for attending internal party events. He also ordered the disclosure of party officials' names, positions, responsibilities, and the party headquarters' phone number on the central party and city/provincial party websites. Regarding these measures, Leader Lee explained on Facebook that it was "to become a Democratic Party that goes into the members and, furthermore, works together with the members."

However, Jo said, "I think the efforts toward people's livelihood are really good, but at the same time, they continue to encourage the hardline party members and Gaeddal. That is worrisome."

Jo also criticized the Democratic Party leadership for demanding a special prosecutor law (special investigation law) for First Lady Kim Keon-hee, wife of President Yoon Seok-youl, and impeachment of Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon. He said, "The special investigation law or impeachment is an extreme, drastic measure. The backlash is significant," adding, "If we compare it to weapons, it corresponds to nuclear weapons, so you shouldn't press the nuclear button recklessly, but we keep saying we will press the nuclear button."

He continued, "Right now, the leader talks about people's livelihood, but the Supreme Council members are competing with hardline remarks. Throughout the party convention period, appealing to hardline party members has been a vote-winning strategy, so it seems they are continuing with that momentum," and questioned, "It's good to enjoy the rising personal recognition and increasing support from party members, but if the leadership proceeds without theory like this, how will the centrists, non-partisans, and the rest of the public view our party, excluding the hardline members?"

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