Kim Young-jin says Jung Chung-rae will work for Democratic Party unity and victory

Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Kim Young-jin said Thursday that Jung Chung-rae would continue to work for the party's unity and victory, noting that Jung had led a campaign group for the party even after being cut from the candidate list in 2016.

Kim made the remarks on MBC Radio's "Kim Jong-bae's Sisonjipjung," saying Jung "has never left the Democratic Party, from the Uri Party era to the present." On the possibility of Jung serving as a rallying point for the party's minority faction, Kim said Jung could voice his own positions but should stay within the bounds necessary for party unity.

"When I think about what the Democratic Party's banner should be in early next year, the first is unity, the second is people's livelihoods, and the third is victory," Kim said. "Carrying those three banners forward and making the Democratic Party government a success — isn't that the foundation for winning the 2028 general election?"

Asked whether Jung would lead the party's minority faction, Kim said Jung already takes positions that differ somewhat from those of party leader Kim Min-seok, adding that "whether or not he is a leader, he will play his role within the Democratic Party based on his own positions."

Kim also said he hoped the Democratic Party would become a broad, open force. "I hope it becomes a wide river and an ocean, where any politician can have their capabilities and talents tested, and go through the process of becoming a leader among party members and the public," he said.

When asked whether Jung could serve as a focal point for the minority faction while still contributing to party unity, Kim said he saw limits to that. "He needs to respect certain boundaries, and then, as I said, the party needs to forge a path to victory through unity," he said.

Kim also expressed concern over internal party tensions surrounding allegations that members of the Shincheonji religious group had joined the party. "Most citizens and party members have no interest in the infighting and controversy going on inside the party right now," he said. "The Democratic Party needs to get its act together, stop fighting internally, and dedicate itself to the people and their livelihoods."

"What matters now is who can better deliver what the public wants and how to handle livelihood policy," Kim said. "The competition should be over policy alternatives and substance — fighting over Shincheonji all year will only drag down the Democratic Party's approval ratings."