Writer Yoo Si-min's 'Spiritual Victory' Controversy Intensifies Democratic Party's Internal Conflict

It has been assessed that the rebellion by former representative Jeong Cheong-rae, which writer Yoo Si-min supported, has virtually failed. After the national convention defeat, an analysis emerged that writer Yoo Si-min provided an interpretation close to 'spiritual victory' for Jeong Cheong-rae's supporters.

The host commented, "Didn't the rebellion by Jeong Cheong-rae that writer Yoo Si-min supported, the coup d'état, practically fail?" questioning Yoo Si-min's role.

This interpretation is acting as a factor that deepens the conflict between hardline and moderate supporters within the Democratic Party.

President Lee Jae-myung warned that reforms that are only 'loud' can amplify backlash, emphasizing the importance of achieving practical results through persuasion and due process. Reporter Heo Kyung-hye stated that the president explained this stance by citing cases such as increasing medical school quotas and integrating SRT/KTX.

The controversy is escalating within the Democratic Party as some hardline figures, referred to as 'Taliban,' oppose undermining the principles of tax reform. They argue that if the government's initial tax reform plan deviates even slightly, the real estate market will again become chaotic.

The host explained the background of the debate, stating, "Centered on News Factory, those whom I often call the Democratic Party's Taliban came out and said that if the tax reform plan initially announced by the government were to waver even slightly, the basic principle and the real estate market would become a mess again."

A framing battle occurred between the government and the media regarding minority cases, and it was argued that these cases should be absorbed through supplementary legislation to preempt media attacks.

This is cited as one of the reasons for the Democratic Party's electoral defeat, highlighting the gap between the party's hardline supporters and those calling for practical policy adjustments.

One of the reasons cited for the Democratic Party's defeat in the last Seoul mayoral election was the lack of promotion regarding real estate taxation. A subscriber from Mapo questioned reporter Kang Jin-gu why banners stating that owner-occupiers of a single home would not pay more taxes even with tax reform were not put up.

This indicates an insufficient effective response to speculative forces exploiting fears of a 'tax bomb'.

Criticism has arisen that Kim Eo-jun's News Factory is biased towards the opinions of specific panelists. Reporter Kang Jin-gu pointed out, "In News Factory, only panelists who demonize discussions about fine-tuning or refining the tax system as undermining principles are featured, presenting only one side."

In particular, it was argued that Representative Kim Min-seok's call for supplementing real estate policies was distorted as undermining principles.

Accordingly, the necessity of promoting 'Democratic Party TV' to create a public forum and gather diverse opinions within the Democratic Party was emphasized.

The President urged not to dwell on criticism of government policies during a cabinet meeting. The President pointed out the contradictory attitude of critics who blame the government for being inconsistent if it modifies policies in response to National Assembly opinions, but unilateral if an agreement is not reached.

The President stated, "Sometimes when I read articles, they criticize government policies as inconsistent if they are modified to accommodate National Assembly opinions, and unilateral if agreement with the National Assembly is not reached. Whether we go forward, backward, stand, sit, or lie down, there's always criticism. There's no need to dwell on it too much," showing a strong determination to push policies forward.

This remark came in the context of emphasizing the importance of government policies, stating that next year's budget should act as a catalyst.

As problems in police investigation processes became prominent, the need for prosecutorial control over police investigations and the distribution of investigative powers was raised. Cases of inadequate police investigations, such as the Jang Mi-ran incident, were mentioned, drawing criticism.

Reporter Kang Jin-gu argued, "Whether the police investigate a case and transfer it or not, it still goes through prosecutors in the public prosecution office. So, if prosecutors suspect police abuse of power or dereliction of duty during the investigation process, I think it would have been appropriate to grant them at least investigative powers over police officials."

The current right to demand supplementary investigations is deemed insufficient, and the opinion is that prosecutors in the public prosecution office should be granted investigative authority over police abuse of power.

Investigation results confirmed that a Shincheonji affiliate was systematically involved in the Democratic Party's preliminary candidate primary. Reporter Kang Jin-gu stated, "The investigation revealed that a Shincheonji affiliate recruited about 30 followers to join the Democratic Party on the condition of resolving their civil complaints."

Although the joint investigation headquarters announced that it was not an organized recruitment at the general assembly level, it was confirmed that concerns about disturbing the Democratic Party's primary had indeed materialized.

Party leader Kim Min-seok made his first personnel appointments since taking office, replacing key officials from former leader Jeong Cheong-rae's tenure. Reporter Kang Jin-gu stated, "With these appointments, the Director of Organization, Director of Strategic Planning, and Director of General Affairs and Coordination, who had been retained under former leader Jeong Cheong-rae's system, were replaced."

This is interpreted as an effort to define the retained officials from former leader Jeong Cheong-rae's time as 'fixed appointments' and to initiate human resource reform for the Democratic Party's overhaul.

Representative Lee Jong-won confessed on his own broadcast that the idea of manipulating public opinion surveys was conceived by him. Reporter Kang Jin-gu stated, "He eventually confessed on his own broadcast. Yes. Oh, this was my idea," quoting Representative Lee Jong-won's remarks.

Reporter Kang Jin-gu presented evidence that Representative Lee Jong-won was preparing related matters on August 13.

However, Representative Lee Jong-won countered that his remark about the Jam-maeul bulletin board was intended to 'trick' reporter Kang Jin-gu.

These claims further complicate the truth contest regarding the alleged public opinion manipulation.

Regarding the public opinion manipulation controversy, Representative Lee Jong-won asserted that he acted voluntarily as a 10-year veteran election expert in broadcasting, denying any involvement of the Jeong Cheong-rae camp. Representative Lee Jong-won stated, "It was my idea, you idiots. You imbeciles. I'm an election expert. Did Candidate Jeong Cheong-rae's side know this fact? You might do things if ordered, but we do them voluntarily," responding to reporter Kang Jin-gu's text questions with informal and mocking language.

He further claimed that mentioning the Jam-maeul bulletin board was also a trap to 'trick' reporter Kang Jin-gu, attempting to justify his actions.

Representative Lee Jong-won's explanation and rebuttal are further intensifying the controversy surrounding the allegations of public opinion manipulation.

It was mentioned that given its seriousness, Representative Lee Jong-won's public opinion manipulation case is likely to be assigned to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency rather than the Mapo Police Station. The host stated, "This case is unlikely to be assigned to the Mapo Police Station, which could be considered Mr. Lee Jong-won's home ground. It will probably be assigned to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency."

This is seen as a measure considering the impact and sensitivity of the case.

Some are cautiously suggesting the possibility of arrests for those involved, citing the 2012 United Progressive Party case.

Even among the Democratic Party's pro-administration Supreme Council members, movements to distance themselves from writer Yoo Si-min's remarks have been detected. The host explained, "Even the pro-administration Supreme Council members found it burdensome to embrace writer Yoo Si-min. It became difficult to agree with him. His words were too strong, so they are gradually trying to cut ties."

Supreme Council member Han Min-soo drew a line in a radio interview, stating that he did not agree with writer Yoo Si-min's views. Jeong Cheong-rae, Choi Min, and other pro-administration figures also avoided mentioning writer Yoo Si-min.

This indicates that writer Yoo Si-min's strong remarks are becoming a burden within the party.

Writer Yoo Si-min denied both the rumors of a prime ministerial offer and secret contact with the Blue House. Writer Yoo Si-min said, "Oh, even Party Leader Kim Min-seok said he recommended me for prime minister... I really don't understand why he's saying such things," expressing doubt about Party Leader Kim Min-seok's statement.

He hinted that he received an offer for a private meeting but declined due to trust issues.

Furthermore, he stated he could not confirm the rumor about refusing to meet the President and criticized the act of publicly mentioning private contacts.

Writer Yoo Si-min's explanation is intensifying the controversy surrounding the veracity of the political rumors about him.

Writer Yoo Si-min and the panelists offered diametrically opposed interpretations of the Democratic Party's national convention results. Writer Yoo Si-min assessed the convention, stating, "The Democratic Party is a party that implements the principles of a republic within the party under the name of party member sovereignty. Wasn't it a national convention that succeeded in upholding that?" arguing for the victory of party member sovereignty.

In contrast, the panelists characterized Representative Jeong Cheong-rae's candidacy as an attempt at party privatization by a hidden force, criticizing it.

They interpreted the President's support for Party Leader Kim Min-seok not as privatization but as aligning efforts for state administration, opposing writer Yoo Si-min's claims.

These conflicting interpretations reveal the depth of internal party conflict over the meaning of the Democratic Party's national convention and the future direction of the party.

It was claimed that Representative Jeong Cheong-rae had no intention of seeking re-election as party leader, fueling speculation about hidden forces. A panelist stated, "As I've said repeatedly, I've also heard that Representative Jeong Cheong-rae actually had little intention of seeking re-election."

It was reported that immediately after the local elections, Representative Jeong Cheong-rae confided to those around him that he had no intention of re-election. An analysis suggested that his re-election bid was not due to personal ambition but was pushed by hidden forces.

This is fueling suspicions about power dynamics and decision-making processes within the Democratic Party.

Writer Yoo Si-min claimed that the President rejected him. Writer Yoo Si-min stated, "Although I won't disclose details, the Blue House was aware that my stance was shifting this way. The President didn't accept any of my critical remarks; he rejected me."

He mentioned that the Blue House was aware of writer Yoo Si-min's change in attitude and added that he refused to meet the President, deeming a conversation meaningless.

This remark indicates a deterioration in the relationship between writer Yoo Si-min and the President.

Writer Yoo Si-min criticized the dissolution of the ruling base, citing President Yoon Suk-yeol's case, and predicted that the collapse of coalition politics would soon lead to tragic results. Writer Yoo Si-min stated, "Because President Yoon Suk-yeol expelled Lee Jun-seok and is dismantling his own ruling base, he will soon face tragic consequences. President Lee Jae-myung is also dismantling his own ruling coalition."

This led to criticism that President Lee Jae-myung is also dismantling his own ruling coalition.

Writer Yoo Si-min emphasized the importance of coalition politics and expressed concern about the current political situation.

A blame game erupted between writer Yoo Si-min and New Tam Sa over the dissolution of the ruling base. New Tam Sa (reporter Kang Jin-gu) countered, "Isn't Yoo Si-min the primary contributor to dismantling the alliance of democratic and progressive forces for suppressing internal strife, that ruling base? The President didn't dismantle it; Lee Jae-myung is forcing the Democratic Party's traditional vested interests to bow their heads."

New Tam Sa claimed that writer Yoo Si-min actually led the internal party division, and while the President pursued a practical path, writer Yoo Si-min and others obstructed it.

This shows the sharp confrontation over the responsibility for the Democratic Party's internal division and conflict.

Representative Lee Jong-won strongly refuted writer Yoo Si-min's claim that public opinion manipulation made candidate Lee Seong-won number one. Representative Lee Jong-won stated, "Multiple polling companies conducted surveys with thousands of people, and to make Lee Seong-won, who was in 6th place, jump to 1st by having everyone answer the calls simultaneously is truly enormous. This is truly unimaginable," emphasizing that writer Yoo Si-min's claim was groundless.

The panelists strongly criticized writer Yoo Si-min's remarks as baseless 'window-breaking' statements.

They pointed out that writer Yoo Si-min's remarks stemmed from the arrogance of intellectual power.

This appears to be spreading into another controversy surrounding allegations of public opinion manipulation.

Even among pro-administration figures, there are signs of disagreement with writer Yoo Si-min's remarks. Representative Lee Jong-won stated, "Even Representative Han Min-soo now feels that not everything writer Yoo Si-min says is correct. The expression 'I don't agree' is important," mentioning a change within the pro-administration faction.

Not only Representative Han Min-soo but also other pro-administration figures are distancing themselves from writer Yoo Si-min, and attention is focused on Representative Yoon Kun-young's future response.

The final oral argument date for New Tam Sa's damages lawsuit has been set for September 22. Representative Lee Jong-won stated, "The presiding judge told the opposing party to rebut the documents we submitted, and then said they would conclude the final arguments on September 22."

New Tam Sa announced that if they win this lawsuit, they will formally pursue 'financial therapy' lawsuits against over 40 media companies.