Kang Jun-hyun, chief spokesperson of the Democratic Party of Korea, said Wednesday regarding calls within the party for Chairman Chung Chung-rae to step down, "I think it would be right to wait until (Chairman Chung) has fully organized and expressed his position."
Speaking at a press briefing held at the National Assembly that day, Kang said, "I understand that he has listened carefully to the various opinions within the party and is deliberating."
At a closed-door general meeting of lawmakers held by the Democratic Party the previous day, accountability arguments targeting Chung emerged over issues including the loss in the Seoul mayoral race in the June 3 local elections. Some lawmakers demanded that Chung resign and give up his bid for reelection.
Kang noted Wednesday, "Concluding that differences amount to division and driving the narrative that there is conflict is a somewhat excessive characterization."
He added, "The Democratic Party must unite tightly around President Lee Jae-myung," saying, "It is simply that people can have different thoughts on the path toward the destination, and their wishes can also be diverse."
Regarding criticism that the Democratic Party's introduction of a "one person, one vote" system for the election of regional committee chairs, city and provincial party chairs, and the national committee chair was meant to support Chung's reelection, Kang explained, "It was to supplement what had previously been omitted, and it was passed unanimously by the supreme council."
Meanwhile, Chung posted a message reading "full abolition of supplementary investigation authority" on his Facebook that day. Regarding this, Kang said, "It seems there was not enough communication between the parties." Lee Joo-hee, the floor spokesperson who was present at the briefing, said, "Discussion on the abolition of supplementary investigation authority itself is not being conducted within the party's floor leadership," adding, "It could be discussed at an appropriate time."
