Kim Eo-jun Faces Controversy Over Distorting President's Remarks

Senior Secretary for Political Affairs Hong Ik-pyo stated in a press conference that the President's will has repeatedly been 'unity,' citing remarks from Chief of Staff Kang Ho-sik and former Senior Secretary for Political Affairs Woo Sang-ho.

He added that the method, procedure, and steps for unity were entirely matters for the party to decide.

The host stated that no one denied the President's general remarks about the need for unity with the Joguk Party. However, a critical view was expressed regarding candidate Jeong Cheong-rae's actions of abruptly pushing for a merger without grassroots discussion.

It was particularly emphasized that the claim of hastily pursuing a merger before the local elections being the President's will was untrue.

The host pointed out that Senior Secretary Hong Ik-pyo's statement merely indicated the President's long-held belief in unity, and that the timing, procedure, and method of the merger were matters for the party to handle independently.

This suggests that News Factory's report distorted the facts.

The need for a new, large speaker that can prevent media distortion and deliver the truth was also emphasized.

The host referred to the phenomenon of certain factions within the Democratic Party, symbolized by 'Mun-Jo-Teol-Leo,' ridiculing and attacking others with labeling tactics, and asked for the interlocutor's opinion on this matter.

The interlocutor stated that the current rampant expressions are not, at the very least, the language of comrades or family.

It was pointed out that these sharp expressions are putting the Democratic Party and President Lee Jae-myung in a difficult situation, indicating the severity of internal party conflict.

A proposal was made for the President to directly persuade the public, to which the host stated that various options are being considered.

It was added that all possibilities are being reviewed at a practical level to develop concrete plans.

It was pointed out that pro-Moon figures are portraying themselves as victims and pro-Lee as perpetrators, making unity difficult within the democratic-progressive camp.

It was emphasized that these claims demonize President Lee Jae-myung and contain factual inaccuracies.

The interlocutor refuted claims that figures like Kim Yong and Kim Nam-guk were the President's picks, suggesting the President dominated the Democratic Party and dreamed of monarchy. This was deemed a distortion of the President's will regarding the merger and a deep wound to the President's supporters.

It was also criticized that candidate Cho Kuk's recent statement that a guilty verdict for the President after retirement was inevitable exacerbated the situation, hurting many.

It was critically interpreted that Kim Eo-jun's making such a claim was due to his shallow hope of securing an interview opportunity for himself.