Democratic Party of Korea Chairman Rep. Lee Jae-myung, right, and Rep. Jung Chung-rae attend a Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly in Seoul, Friday. Yonhap
By Kwak Yeon-soo
A group of party members loyal to the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) leader Lee Jae-myung issued a warning, Friday, stating their intention to depart from the party to protest the election outcome for the speaker of the first half of the 22nd National Assembly.
On Thursday, Rep. Woo Won-shik of the DPK beat former Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae, who was widely perceived as Lee's preferred candidate for the position. As the Assembly typically elects a candidate nominated by the largest party as the speaker, the primary is seen as the de facto final election for the speaker position.
Pro-Lee party members objected to Thursday’s election result, with some claiming that the party should track down who voted for Woo. They also demanded explanations from Woo's supporters. Some even issued warnings, stating they would leave the party if their concerns were not addressed.
In an attempt to ease the rift, Rep. Jung Chung-rae, a DPK Supreme Council member known as a close aide to the party chief, publicly apologized to hardline, pro-Lee party members.
“I apologize to those disappointed by the primary result. It's not about individuals, but frustration with the Yoon Suk Yeol administration. Please stay with us on the path to change,” Jung said in a party leadership meeting, Friday.
Woo, a five-term lawmaker, expressed regret, saying Jung’s remarks are causing more rifts within the party.
“I think it’s inappropriate for a member of the Supreme Council to make such remarks. It’s causing more division within the party,” he said during a radio interview, Friday.