Jung Sung-ho: "No Trust Crisis Between Lee Jae-myung and Lee Nak-yeon... They Share the Same Goal"

"There Is Only a Difference in Positions, Not a Factional Conflict"

Regarding the private dinner meeting scheduled for the 11th between former Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yeon, who returned after a year of studying in the United States, and Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung, the pro-Lee Nak-yeon faction has taken the stance that "restoring trust comes first." However, Jeong Seong-ho, a pro-Lee Jae-myung (친명) leader and Democratic Party lawmaker, stated, "I do not think there is such a level of trust crisis between the two."

On the 11th, Jeong said on YTN's "News King Park Ji-hoon" program, "The idea that 'time is needed to restore trust'?the Democratic Party is not in an absolute crisis right now, and to win next year's general election, the party must move forward as one. Where is the time for that?"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The pro-Lee Nak-yeon faction, including Democratic Party lawmaker Yoon Young-chan, has consistently maintained the position that "restoring trust before the meeting" is necessary. However, the pro-Lee Jae-myung faction insisted that the two must meet first.

There is also analysis that this meeting will somewhat reconcile the factional conflicts between the pro-Lee Jae-myung and non-Lee Jae-myung groups within the party. Jeong said, "There are constant talks about factional conflicts from outside, but while there may be differences in opinions among some lawmakers on current issues, I do not consider that factional conflict. Everyone agrees that the party must unite to win the general election, and there is strong demand from party members. Because of this, lawmakers share a consensus on party unity and innovation for party unity, so I believe the two will share opinions in that regard as well."

Former leader Lee Nak-yeon may offer "harsh criticism" during the meeting, as he previously mentioned "Democratic Party innovation." Jeong said, "Innovation is a very natural topic. Both Leader Lee and former Leader Lee, as well as all party members, agree on the need for change in the party, so I see no major issues and do not think there is a need to assign other meanings to it."

Former Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae expressed a critical attitude toward the meeting, saying, "If people with different thoughts hold a blank sheet together, it will tear." Jeong responded, "I do not know the intention behind that comment, but the majority of party members and lawmakers agree that the party must move forward as one, and that even a blank sheet or a single bean should be shared while cooperating."

Regarding rumors of a new party formation by former Ministers of Justice Cho Kuk and Choo Mi-ae, Jeong said, "Those are stories based on some lawmakers' imaginations and seem unlikely. Both former Minister Cho and former Minister Choo want the Democratic Party to win the general election, so I believe they will seek appropriate roles in that effort."

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