Jo Guk Innovation Party, Conflict with Democratic Party over Merger Escalates

Subtle changes have been observed in the stance of the Jo Guk Innovation Party and Mr. Kim Eo-jun amid the recent internal strife within the Democratic Party and the decline in presidential approval ratings. As internal conflicts within the Democratic Party deepen, remarks made by Assemblyman Park Seon-won at a press conference are also interpreted as one aspect of these changes.

Amid controversy over Representative Yong Hye-in's unusual dual role as a minister, rumors emerged that Cheong Wa Dae recommended her resignation as an assembly member. However, Representative Yong Hye-in clearly stated that she had no intention of resigning. This case illustrates the differing political views on a proportional representation lawmaker holding a ministerial position concurrently.

Criticism has been raised that the media, legal community, and women's groups have formed a so-called 'privileged feminist cartel,' focusing only on protecting the rights of upper-class women. They are accused of neglecting issues faced by low-income and non-regular female workers. The argument is that prioritizing the rights of a specific class of women deviates from the original purpose of women's organizations and leads to social bias.

After the inappropriate content of Vice Chairman Kang Min-gu's text messages was revealed, criticism arose that his language as a vice chairman of the Democratic Party's ethics tribunal was unsuitable. Concurrently, rumors of factional conflict emerged surrounding Director Han Dong-soo's resignation, and the need for an investigation into suspicions of former Vice Chairman Jang In-jae's attempt to return was raised. This series of events reveals the complex dynamics and conflicts within the Democratic Party.

Tracing the past history of former Vice Chairman Jang In-jae revealed his deep connections with former Director Yang Jung-cheol of the Democratic Research Institute and former Presidential Chief of Staff Im Jong-seok. In particular, suspicions were raised that Jang In-jae intervened in the Democratic Party's nominations, and it was mentioned that he had a close relationship with President Yoon Suk-yeol during his time as a prosecutor. It was also claimed that their relationship was maintained through the resolution of each other's grievances.

The Jo Guk Innovation Party claimed that the Democratic Party's proposed merger discussion process was unilateral and insulting, expressing strong regret. The Innovation Party stated that they had never once had the opportunity to discuss merger conditions or demands, and criticized the Democratic Party for approaching them impolitely and disrespectfully. They also pointed out that the Democratic Party was unilaterally establishing a body for merger discussions, creating a framework that forces the Innovation Party to cooperate, and stated that they have never been fixated on the conditions of integration or the merger itself.

The Jo Guk Innovation Party stated that without a regional base, securing party members is essential, and if a merger is not achieved by the end of the year, fair competition in next year's primaries would be difficult. In particular, they expressed the view that if the merger is not concluded within this year, it would be practically impossible after mid-next year, emphasizing the importance of the merger deadline. This is believed to be why the Jo Guk Innovation Party is more sensitive to the issue of merging with the Democratic Party due to its weak regional base.

Amid the decline in the Democratic Party's approval ratings, the war of nerves over leadership in a potential merger between the Jo Guk Innovation Party and the Democratic Party is intensifying. The Jo Guk Innovation Party expressed dissatisfaction, stating that despite the situation requiring the Democratic Party to make the first move, the attitudes of Chairman Lee Jae-myung and Chairman Kim Min-seok remain rigid. Consequently, some Democratic Party supporters are even advocating against a merger, suggesting an escalation of conflict between the two sides.

The visit of Shin Jang-sik, the new leader of the Jo Guk Innovation Party, to Yeongdeungpo, the constituency of Assemblyman Kim Min-seok, during his nationwide tour, has been interpreted as having political significance. This is seen as a hint at the possibility of candidate nominations in the next general election, a warning to Chairman Kim Min-seok, and a form of protest against the Democratic Party. Analysis suggests that the Jo Guk Innovation Party is escalating its pressure on the Democratic Party.

The background of Lee Jin-hyun's lawsuit against candidate Kim Min-seok during the party convention was explained. Lee Jin-hyun had previously worked for the Lee Nak-yeon campaign and had a history of criticizing President Lee Jae-myung. This was also cited as a reason for the withdrawal of his nomination as Vice Director of the Democratic Research Institute. His complex past actions make him a figure of note connected to internal conflicts within the Democratic Party.

It has been revealed that Lee Jin-hyun played a key role in the establishment of an organization called 'Era of Party Member Sovereignty.' This organization has deep connections with candidate Jeong Cheong-rae's actions, and claims have been made that it has effectively become Jeong Cheong-rae's private organization. Such organizational influence is cited as an example demonstrating the power of certain factions within the Democratic Party.

When candidate Kim Yong lost, allegedly because he was a 'Myung-pick candidate,' Lee Jin-hyun and supporters of candidate Jeong Cheong-rae were seen high-fiving and saying, 'We succeeded, we won even though we lost.' This behavior, celebrating the defeat of a 'Myung-pick candidate,' was presented as strong evidence of their strong 'anti-Lee Jae-myung' tendencies. This is analyzed as a specific example revealing the complex factional conflicts within the Democratic Party.

It was revealed that during the 2021 presidential primary, Lee Jong-won made a shocking remark to executives. Lee Jong-won claimed that former leader Choo Mi-ae's candidacy was a 'highly political scheme' orchestrated by himself, Jeong Cheong-rae, and Kim Eo-jun. This statement raises suspicions that a specific candidate's entry into the presidential primary was not merely a personal decision but a systematic plan by a particular faction. This is interpreted as a remark hinting at complex power struggles within the Democratic Party.

Claims were made that Shincheonji followers infiltrated both the Moon Jae-in and Lee Jae-myung camps during the 19th presidential election primary, engaging in support activities. This was analyzed as a pincer movement aimed at creating discord. Suspicions of specific religious groups interfering in elections have been pointed out as a chronic problem in Korean politics.

After the 2022 presidential election, suspicions arose that approximately 100 new individuals, previously unseen, entered Lee Jong-won's circle. These are mysterious figures with no prior activity records, and questions are mounting about their identities and the background of their influx. The emergence of this new force suggests that movements with specific objectives are being detected around Lee Jong-won.

It was confirmed that Baekdu was absent from the meeting concerning Lee Jong-won's 'political scheme' remarks. This was initially understood as Baekdu being removed from Lee Jong-won's circle, but recent reporting by a Newtamsa journalist revealed Baekdu still active around Lee Jong-won. It is known that Lee Jong-won often told Baekdu to step down from his position, revealing the complexity of their relationship.

Records confirmed that 'Sini,' known as an associate of Lee Jong-won, visited the People Power Party headquarters several times between November 21 and 30, 2022. However, upon checking 'Sini's' Facebook recently, all these check-in records were found to have disappeared. Lee Jong-won acknowledged 'Sini' as a web poster designer, raising suspicions about their relationship and the background of the deleted People Power Party visit history.

Suspicions have been raised that individuals around Lee Jong-won may be spies disguised as Democratic Party supporters. Individual A, who led the 'Watch News Factory' campaign, is suspected of visiting the People Power Party headquarters during the 20th presidential election, and individual B, a former group chat administrator for 'Gye Gukbon,' has a history of visiting the Busan People Power Party City Chapter on July 28, 2021. These circumstances heighten questions about the true identities of Lee Jong-won's associates.

Claims have been raised that very undesirable elements have infiltrated the Democratic Party. It was emphasized that caution should be exercised against framing this issue as merely a conflict with YouTubers. Suspicions of connections between Lee Jong-won's associates and far-right elements of the People Power Party were raised, and the case of Shincheonji's involvement in the 2017 presidential election was mentioned again. This suggests that resolving the issue of dual party membership within the Democratic Party could be the starting point for identifying and removing these undesirable elements.

Criticism has been raised that the media is churning out articles praising Yangpyeong County for its 'communicative administration,' but in reality, conflicts are escalating due to a lack of communication with residents, leading to protests. The Newtamsa reporting team stated that they confirmed hostile attitudes from some journalists regarding this reporting behavior. This points to accusations that the media is failing to accurately reflect the reality of a specific region and is providing biased reports.

Lee Jong-won claimed that he never hit anyone with a chair and completely denied the chair-throwing charge. He explained that the related photo was manipulated, and the video was also distorted in slow motion to make it appear as if he hit someone. Lee Jong-won claimed that he slammed the chair down in front of himself, expressing a strong denial of the charges.

Lee Jong-won was charged with special assault and violation of the Labor Standards Act and sentenced to 4 months in prison, 1 year of probation, and a fine of 1 million won in the first instance. In the subsequent second instance, the prison sentence was reduced from 4 months to 2 months, but 1 year of probation was maintained. The case is currently pending before the Supreme Court. This indicates that Lee Jong-won's legal battle is not yet over.