Why Lee Sang-min of the Opposition Party Rejects Pro-Myeong and Pro-Nak Factions in the Bundang Theory

"Prepare for a Cheerful Breakup" Lee Sang-min's Remarks
Pro-Myeong and Pro-Nak Say "Shocked by Bundang Mention", "No Division Allowed"

Amid rising tensions between the pro-Lee Jae-myung and pro-Lee Nak-yeon factions within the Democratic Party following the political comeback of former Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yeon, interest is focusing on 5-term veteran lawmaker Sang-min Lee hinting at the possibility of a party split.

On the 3rd, Lee said on YTN Radio, "Sometimes, if our intentions do not align at all and we cannot share the same direction, we must be prepared for an amicable separation," adding that a split could be one of the options.

In October 2021, Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, and former leader Lee Nak-yeon are meeting at a tea house in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers Group

However, both the pro-Lee Jae-myung and pro-Lee Nak-yeon factions have expressed reluctance toward Lee’s mention of a split. Although factional conflicts are intensifying, both sides agree that it is not yet the stage to even bring up the topic of a split.

The pro-Lee Jae-myung faction believes there is no reason to insist on a split now that Lee Jae-myung has taken the party leadership. Rather, they argue it is necessary to establish an image of harmony without major conflicts with former leader Lee Nak-yeon. The longer the conflict with the pro-Lee Nak-yeon faction drags on, the more Lee Jae-myung’s leadership is bound to be shaken.

In fact, the pro-Lee Jae-myung faction has sent messages through various media interviews urging Lee Jae-myung and Lee Nak-yeon to meet soon. Lawmaker Sung-ho Jung said in an SBS Radio interview on the 5th, "(Former leader Lee Nak-yeon) is symbolically an important leader guiding the Democratic Party," adding, "Everyone recognizes that unity, not division, is necessary to win next year’s general election. I believe former leader Lee Nak-yeon will duly fulfill that role."

The pro-Lee Nak-yeon faction also strongly denied the split rumors raised by Lee. Lawmaker Gae-ho Lee dismissed it on YTN Radio, saying, "Our Democratic Party is not at a stage to talk about splits or amicable separations, nor is the party operating that way. Talk of a split is shocking."

Lawmaker Gae-ho Lee emphasized, "If there is any conflict between the pro-Lee Jae-myung and non-Lee Jae-myung factions, it is natural in a democratic party that conflicts exist. But talk of separation or splits does not reflect the party atmosphere at all."

Lawmaker Young-chan Yoon also said in a KBS Radio interview, "The Democratic Party still has a 70-year tradition and has produced three presidents," adding, "There have been various ups and downs, but none have lasted long. Ultimately, the Democratic Party has existed on that tradition and will continue to do so."

Although subtle tensions continue over whether Lee Jae-myung and Lee Nak-yeon will meet, both sides seem to avoid deepening the rift.

This is related to the fact that both Lee Jae-myung and Lee Nak-yeon are eyeing the next presidential election. If factional clashes intensify and internal unity fails, it would be disadvantageous in the presidential election where they must unite as one team.

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