Tensions Rise Between 'Chinmun' and 'Chinmyeong' Factions... "If Lee Fails to Unite, He Must Decide His Position"

The Democratic Party of Korea has yet to escape from 'factional conflicts.' The clash between the 'pro-Lee Jae-myung' and 'anti-Lee Jae-myung' factions is now spreading to the pro-Moon Jae-in group. Pro-Lee figures are demanding that those who held key positions during the Moon Jae-in administration either not run or run in difficult districts. In this situation, attention is focused on whether the visit of Lee Jae-myung, the party leader, to former President Moon Jae-in will serve as an opportunity to resolve the conflict.

According to the Democratic Party on the 2nd, Im Jong-seok, former Chief of Staff at the Blue House under Moon Jae-in, is preparing to run in Seoul Jung-Seongdong Gap district. This has been a stronghold where the Democratic Party has consistently placed its flag since the 19th general election when the district was divided into Seongdong Gap and Seongdong Eul. However, with the current floor leader Hong Ik-pyo moving to Seoul Seocho Eul, it has become a strategic electoral district. Since priority is given to youth and women candidates, there is a possibility that Im may be excluded.

Im Jong-seok, former Chief of Staff to the President. Photo by Dongju Yoon doso7@

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Within the party, there has been a heated debate over Im’s candidacy. As a symbolic figure from the Moon Jae-in administration, he has become a focal point of criticism. Kim Ji-ho, former Deputy Chief of the Party’s Political Affairs Office and a close aide to Lee Jae-myung, targeted Im by saying, "Shouldn't he run in a place like Yongsan, which is the center of the Yoon Seok-youl administration?" In response, Go Min-jung, a Supreme Council member who served as a Blue House spokesperson under Moon Jae-in, countered, "We should not divide the party into pro-Lee and pro-Moon factions," adding, "Kim Ji-ho should also try not to fall into the pro-Lee or pro-Moon frame."

Attacks on pro-Moon figures are linked to the perception among hardline supporters that the 'pro-Moon' faction is responsible for the defeat in the last presidential election, especially for appointing Yoon Seok-youl as Prosecutor General. The pro-Lee faction is increasing pressure not only on Im but also publicly mentioning former Chief of Staff Noh Young-min and lawmakers Ki Dong-min, Song Gap-seok, and Yoon Gun-young. The representative pro-Lee outside organization, the Democratic Party National Innovation Council, has demanded the voluntary retirement of these lawmakers. As former leader Lee Nak-yeon and lawmakers Lee Won-wook, Kim Jong-min, and Cho Eung-cheon from the anti-Lee faction left the party, the focus of the offensive is shifting to the 'pro-Moon Jae-in group.'

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, and former President Moon Jae-in [Photo by Yonhap News]

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Considering Lee Jae-myung’s past actions, the general consensus is that it is unlikely he will take the lead in resolving the conflict openly. When members of the reformist group 'Principles and Common Sense' left the party, Lee chose to coordinate behind the scenes rather than in public.

A senior metropolitan area lawmaker expressed concern in a phone interview with Asia Economy on the same day, saying, "It is a distorted situation where the party does not unite under the spirit of the Democratic Party but only follows the party leader." He pointed out, "Former President Moon Jae-in stepped down when factional conflicts intensified ahead of the 20th general election. If Lee Jae-myung cannot demonstrate strong leadership to achieve unity, he must make a decision about his position."

On the 4th, Lee Jae-myung will visit Pyeongsan Village in Yangsan, Gyeongnam, to meet former President Moon Jae-in. This reschedules a plan that was canceled earlier this year due to a stabbing attack. However, the timing could also serve as an opportunity to reconcile the pro-Lee and pro-Moon conflicts. A member of the leadership said, "We are not attaching great significance to it," but added, "I think it will be a moment to emphasize unity to judge the Yoon Seok-youl administration in the general election."

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