The Bimyeong Group Launches 'Principles and Common Sense'... "Let's Stop Dividing Pro-Myeong and Anti-Myeong"

Woo Won-sik "Debate is Futile Before People's Livelihoods"
Gominjeong, Kim Hangyu, and Others Also Express Concern Over Internal Conflict Structure

The group of non-Myeong (非明) faction members within the Democratic Party of Korea called 'Principles and Common Sense' was launched on the 16th, but criticism continues over concerns of factional division within the party. The non-Myeong faction members announced their full-scale activities, stating that "restoring democracy and morality within the party is necessary," but there are also views questioning the group's potential for expansion within the party.

Pro-Myeong faction Democratic Party lawmaker Woo Won-sik raised his voice on social media (SNS), saying, "The debate dividing pro-Myeong and non-Myeong factions is useless in the face of people’s livelihoods," adding, "There can be no distinction between pro-Myeong and non-Myeong when it comes to solving the people's livelihood issues, and there can be no distinction when fighting against the runaway Yoon Seok-yeol government."

On the same day, non-Myeong faction lawmakers Kim Jong-min, Yoon Young-chan, Lee Won-wook, and Cho Eung-cheon stated, "Before the year ends, the Democratic Party needs change and determination to become a strong opposition party," advocating for ▲restoration of morality ▲restoration of intra-party democracy ▲restoration of visionary politics. They aim to break away from fandom politics represented by so-called 'Gaeddal (hardcore supporters)' and focus on restoring morality.

Democratic Party of Korea lawmakers Kim Jong-min (from left), Lee Won-wook, Yoon Young-chan, and Cho Eung-cheon are holding a press conference for the launch of 'Principles and Common Sense' at the National Assembly Communication Office on the 16th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

However, Rep. Woo said, "Engaging in debates dividing pro-Myeong and non-Myeong factions right now is nothing but idle academic discussions that do not concern the public," adding, "I hope we stop unnecessary fights and sincerely unite for the party’s future and the people's livelihood."

Pro-Moon (親文) faction lawmaker Ko Min-jung also said on JTBC YouTube Live 'Genre Only Yeouido' that "constantly turning inward within the party makes it very difficult to gain public approval," adding, "From the public’s perspective, that is something you should handle internally and not force or repeatedly demand us, the people, to choose."

Ko said, "Within the Democratic Party, both factions seem to only blame each other," adding, "Unity and integration do not mean blindly 'shut up and do not voice any dissent.' Instead, unity and integration should be directed toward stopping the runaway Yoon Seok-yeol government."

There are also predictions that the 'Principles and Common Sense' group will not have significant expansion. Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Han-kyu said on YTN's 'News & Issue,' "It is somewhat difficult for many lawmakers to participate together," adding, "Other lawmakers are also holding primaries in their districts, and if they participate in this event, their districts will inevitably be divided into pro-Myeong versus anti-Myeong."

He continued, "Within the Democratic Party, there is criticism that it 'causes internal conflict,' and because of misunderstandings, it could affect the primary race dynamics. Therefore, as the election approaches, it becomes difficult for lawmakers to publicly participate in such activities," adding, "Although about 50 lawmakers sympathize with them, it seems difficult to openly demonstrate their strength and activities at this time."

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