Democratic Party Convention Heats Up: 'Shincheonji' and 'Defection' Attacks, Even 'Ethics Inspection' Warnings

As the Democratic Party's August 17 convention race enters the latter half, the intensity of attacks among party leadership candidates is rising ahead of the Honam primaries, where a majority of voting party members are concentrated. Amidst a razor-thin race, there are growing voices of concern over party division due to the candidates crossing the line in their offensives.

Since the Daejeon campaign trail on the 1st, candidates have begun checks against their rivals by labeling their political track records as 'betrayal' or the 'gates of hell.' Among Supreme Council candidates, the level of rhetoric has soared uncontrollably, with some disparaging opponents as 'bats' or attacking them for engaging in 'Ilbe culture.'

Candidate Jeong Cheong-rae warned of a tough response on the 5th regarding Rep. Kim Min-seok, mentioning an inspection by the ethics team and disciplinary action. In response, Kim Min-seok appeared on a broadcast on the 6th, countering by labeling his rival an 'anti-Moon' figure and a 'divisive element.' The war of nerves has been intense, with talk even emerging of potential physical clashes between candidates.

With 70% of voting party members concentrated in the Honam region and the capital area—which is effectively the decisive battleground—there are observations that the smear campaign could further escalate ahead of the Honam member vote starting on the 11th. Conversely, Rep. Yoon Gun-young expressed concern over the erosion of the party's unity, asking, 'Will the party be able to properly patch things up afterward?'

Amidst these conflicts, candidate Kim Min-seok pledged during the Jeju campaign trail on the 8th to bring intra-party conflicts down to 'zero' after the convention, signaling his intention to minimize fallout. However, despite the election management committee's urging for restraint, intra-party conflicts stemming from the intensifying race are expected to continue for the time being.