Ahn Cheolsu: "Democratic Party Powerless Before 'Seongnam Party'... For Whom Did They Contest the Presidential Election?"

Ahn Cheolsu, member of the People Power Party. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

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Ahn Cheolsu, a member of the People Power Party, launched criticism at the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), asking, "Is Seongnam Party the true power within the Democratic Party?" He argued that the DPK, as the dominant ruling party, has failed to criticize or keep the administration in check regarding recent controversial appointments, and is instead simply watching the situation unfold.

On July 22, Ahn wrote on his Facebook page, "Is the Democratic Party, powerless in the face of personnel disasters, allowing the presidential office to be run by the so-called 'Seongnam Party'?"

Ahn stated, "The Democratic Party, boasting 167 seats, looks pitiful. When the Minister of Agriculture, who neglected the state of emergency, was retained, everyone rushed to flatter President Lee, calling it an act of unity. When it came to appointing the Minister of Gender Equality and Family, who is facing allegations of abuse of power, the party hesitated, unable to take a clear stance, and simply kept their eyes fixed on Yongsan."

Regarding Kang Junok, the former Secretary for National Unity at the presidential office, who has been embroiled in controversy for defending martial law, Ahn remarked, "Even though someone who would not hesitate to shout 'Yoon Again' is freely roaming the presidential office as Secretary for National Unity?more appropriately called Secretary for Enlightenment?the Democratic Party is just watching and calculating. Who is actually making personnel decisions in the presidential office? It is handled by the secretariats for personnel, general affairs, civil affairs, and public office discipline." However, Kang Junok announced his intention to voluntarily resign on this day.

Ahn continued, "These positions have been filled by close associates and lawyers from Daejang-dong who have been with President Lee since his days as mayor of Seongnam. They are packaging these appointments as pragmatic and unifying, and it is becoming clear that the real power lies not with the Democratic Party, but with the 'Seongnam Party.' Before and after the confirmation hearings, all the Democratic Party did was protect and clean up after these appointments. The reality is bizarre: the once-mighty Democratic Party is now powerless before a handful of people from the Seongnam Party. For whom, and for what, did the Democratic Party contest the presidential election?" he said, expressing his anger.

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