South Korea ruling party feud persists despite unity calls
· UPIJuly 2 (Asia Today) -- Rivalry among candidates seeking to lead South Korea's ruling Democratic Party is expected to intensify in the National Assembly despite public calls for unity from President Lee Jae Myung and former President Moon Jae-in.
Former Prime Minister Kim Min-seok and former party chairs Song Young-gil and Jung Chung-rae have all emphasized party unity ahead of the Aug. 17 national convention. Their recent exchanges, however, suggest tensions surrounding the leadership race have not subsided.
The contest is developing into a three-way race among Kim, Song and Jung, each of whom has presented himself as a supporter of the Lee administration while drawing support from different groups within the party.
Jung wrote on Facebook Thursday that Lee had emphasized internal unity while Moon had called for integration and reconciliation.
"I completely agree with them, 100%," Jung wrote.
His comments followed a Wednesday luncheon at the presidential office, where Lee and Moon agreed that unity within the liberal political camp and efforts to broaden its public support should be pursued together.
They also said insulting labels, false information and personal attacks within the political camp would not help anyone, according to the presidential office.
Some political observers said the appeals from the current and former presidents could help calm the overheated campaign by discouraging the candidates from engaging in open confrontation.
Others within the party said the conflict may have only temporarily moved below the surface and could become clearer as the leadership campaign accelerates.
Kim directly challenged Jung after returning to the party Wednesday, questioning whether Jung needed to serve a second term as party chair.
"I do not see the necessity or inevitability of his taking the leadership position twice in the same way he has led the party until now," Kim said. He argued that the party needed leadership with a different style, strengths and capabilities.
The exchange has also developed into a dispute between lawmakers associated with rival party factions.
Rep. Choi Min-hee, considered an ally of Jung, responded to Kim by writing on Facebook, "Is there really a need to become party leader after serving as prime minister?"
Rep. Lee Kun-tae, who is aligned with Lee, defended Kim.
"He performed excellently as prime minister in complete coordination with the president, so he will also do well as party leader while working as a complete team with the president," Lee wrote.
Kim's return to the National Assembly is also raising the possibility of a campaign dynamic in which Kim and Song cooperate against Jung.
Song previously clashed with Jung over the political lineage and traditions of the Democratic Party. Their dispute has expanded from competing historical claims to personal attacks and legal complaints.
Song has repeatedly criticized Jung's leadership while seeking to establish himself as a third major candidate. Party observers have also discussed the possibility that Song could support Kim in a runoff if no candidate receives a majority in the first round.
With Kim now formally back in party politics and Song increasing his attacks on Jung, tensions between members aligned with Lee and those supporting Jung could become a central source of conflict during the convention campaign.
-- Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI
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Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260703010001079