Ahn Cheol-soo Criticizes People Power Party Leadership…Controversy Over Senior Lawmakers' Private Meeting

Representative Ahn Cheol-soo has recently been criticizing Oh Se-hoon, Han Dong-hoon, and Kim Gi-heon collectively. Political commentator Park Sang-gyu analyzed that this criticism is intended to emphasize the importance of a member-centric party.

In particular, Representative Ahn is interpreted as trying to explain his political standing, comparing himself to other lawmakers by quoting the ancient proverb 'Kwanmok Sangdae' (meaning to be surprised at someone's rapid improvement). Commentator Park Sang-gyu stated, “From my perspective, that’s why he is criticizing Oh Se-hoon, Han Dong-hoon, and Kim Gi-heon all at once. And many people have 're-evaluated' Representative Ahn Cheol-soo based on such actions,” conveying that this move was perceived as fresh by many.

Within the People Power Party, senior lawmakers with four or more terms held a private meeting. Political commentator Park Sang-gyu revealed that the private meeting took place yesterday, and some news is being reported.

It is known that critical discussions about the party leadership system occurred at this gathering. In particular, it seems there was mention of Representative Jeong Jeom-sik's actions at this meeting.

Criticism has been raised regarding Floor Leader Jeong Jeom-sik's role and actions. Political commentator Park Sang-gyu pointed out that it is an overreach for the floor leader, who is not the party leader, to gather three- and four-term lawmakers.

Commentator Park emphasized that the floor leader should be at the forefront of the People Power Party's struggle within the National Assembly and should adhere to the floor leader's inherent role. This is a point of contention regarding the current party's single-top leadership system. Park Sang-gyu strongly criticized, “The floor leader is overreaching too much. What is the floor leader doing, gathering three-term and four-term lawmakers when they are not the party leader? Just stick to the floor leader’s role. Being at the forefront of the People Power Party’s struggle within the Assembly is what the floor leader should do.”

Attendees of the private meeting of senior lawmakers with four or more terms have remained silent, leading to the spread of negative public opinion. Political commentator Park Sang-gyu reported that nine people were known to have gathered at yesterday's meeting, but the attendees are uniformly reluctant to speak.

Criticism is being raised that this is because they are not proud of having attended the meeting. Park Sang-gyu commented, “No, it’s not right. And it's known that nine senior members gathered yesterday. But they're not talking. Why? Because they're not proud of going there,” indicating that this silence proves the inappropriateness of the meeting.