Jung Chung-rae rebuts Yu Shi-min: "There were many different paths in the independence movement"

Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Jung Chung-rae said on the 31st, regarding remarks by writer Yu Shi-min, who has been critical of President Lee Jae-myung, that "those who fought in the independence movement did not all follow a single path," and that there is a need to listen carefully to what the other side has to say. His remark comes amid continued internal criticism since the launch of the Lee Jae-myung government — could it be a message of reconciliation from the lawmaker? On the 28th, on the same channel, Yu had said, "The Yoon Suk-yeol beetle dismantled his own house, and now this government and President Lee are doing exactly the same," and "In an extreme case, like Park Geun-hye or Yoon Suk-yeol, he may not be able to complete his term."

Lawmaker Jung said, "It is precisely in times like these that patting people on the back and saying 'let's go together' is the wisest course." He drew a line, saying, "Writer Yu will play his role as writer Yu, and Jung Chung-rae will play Jung Chung-rae's role." He added that since thoughts, opinions, and arguments differ within the party, leadership is important, and that "the Democratic Party and its members — especially professional politicians like us — must do well."

Asked whether the president's governing approach would change, he answered, "I know what you all hope for, and I am doing my part to make that happen." He added, "I'm not sure how much results we will see, but I am constantly making efforts through various channels."

Appearing on the YouTube channel 'Park Si-young TV' on October 31, lawmaker Jung said the success or failure of the leadership under chairman Kim Min-seok will be decided at the 100-day mark of his tenure. Kim, who was elected at the August 17 party convention, marks 100 days in office on the 24th of next month. Jung said, "I thought we should at least observe basic courtesy, and I understood it as him asking for 100 days." In Gallup Korea's regular polls, the Democratic Party's approval rating fell from 38% just before the party convention to 35% in the last week of October.

Jung, who as party chairman pushed for a merger with the Rebuilding Korea Party only to run into opposition from the pro-Lee faction, also repeated his conviction on the timing of the merger. He said, "I have lived alongside the Rebuilding Korea Party for decades and been apart from them for three years," adding, "Personally, I believe it must be done and completed by January of next year. I am working toward that."