Cho Eungcheon: Lee Sangmin's 'Amicable Separation' Is Irony... Should Be Interpreted Oppositely

"Is There Anyone Who Cares About the Party as Much as Lee Sangmin?"
"Renewal Means Being Ready to Risk a Split"

Cho Eungcheon, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, expressed his disagreement with the party leadership's stern warning issued to lawmaker Lee Sangmin, who raised the issue of a party split. He stated, "Who else cares about the party as much as Lee and is not afraid to be criticized for the sake of the party, speaking up with conviction?"

On July 13, during an appearance on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show', Cho commented that Lee's remarks about splitting the party were, in his view, "not about enjoying vested interests in a large party, but about being prepared for an amicable separation, speaking up for the party without considering personal gain or loss. That is the kind of politics he wants to practice, and that is how I interpreted it-he has lived that way so far and intends to continue doing so."

On the morning of the 17th, Cho Eungcheon, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, questioned Lee Cheolwoo, governor of Gyeongsangbuk-do, during the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee's audit held at the Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial Office in Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do. 2022.10.17 Photo by Yonhap News

Cho stated that Lee's phrase 'amicable separation' was a form of irony. He explained, "There are subtle rhetorical styles in our language that don't exist in foreign languages. For example, when someone says, 'Well done~', is it really praise or criticism? The term 'amicable separation' is used in that sense." In other words, Lee's remarks should not be interpreted as genuinely calling for a split, but rather as meaning the opposite-that a split should not happen.

Cho added, "I don't think Lee has ever seriously considered an actual split or separation. If he had, it must have been to emphasize the need to fight for the party's innovation and renewal, even if it means risking everything as if preparing for a split."

Regarding Lee's objection to the party's disciplinary action, claiming he had never engaged in conduct detrimental to the party, Cho said, "The fault actually lies elsewhere, and I agree with that."

He continued, "Isn't it conduct detrimental to the party when, in pursuit of factional interests or to cater to hardline supporters, the party pushes through bills and policies that are difficult to gain public consent for, runs the National Assembly unilaterally, and engages in behavior and rhetoric that are far removed from common sense or universal values, thereby undermining public trust in our party?" With this, he indirectly criticized the party leadership.

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