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Democratic Party's 'Indictment Withdrawal Claim' Internal Strife Escalates; People Power Party Faces Oh Se-hoon's Non-Candidacy Crisis
Democratic Party's 'Indictment Withdrawal Deal Claim' Impact and Deepening Internal Strife
The Democratic Party of Korea took strong action yesterday (the 12th) by reporting a former journalist who raised suspicions of an 'indictment withdrawal deal.' However, criticism within the party grew after Kim Eo-jun, who broadcast the remarks, was excluded from the complaint. Rep. Yoon Jun-byung pointed out via social media that “not only the speaker but also those who provided the platform should be held accountable.” Rep. Han Jun-ho also urged Kim Eo-jun on a radio program to “apologize responsibly and discuss measures to prevent recurrence.” Former party leader Song Young-gil, who recently rejoined the party, also expressed a negative stance on lawmakers appearing on media YouTube channels, criticizing the “sight of lawmakers lining up as if for an audience” as undesirable.
Amid signs of a split in its support base, the Democratic Party leadership is focusing on preventing further escalation. Chairman Jung Chung-rae, at a field supreme council meeting in Sunchang, North Jeolla Province, today (the 13th), did not directly mention the 'indictment withdrawal deal claim' but emphasized that prosecutorial reform is the flag and symbol of the Lee Jae-myung administration and the Democratic Party. He stressed that they would do their utmost and coordinate behind the scenes to ensure prosecutorial reform meets public expectations. Meanwhile, Kim Eo-jun stated that there was no prior discussion regarding the exposé of the allegations, claiming it was the journalist's own responsibility and asserting that there was no need for him to apologize.
People Power Party in Disarray Over Oh Se-hoon's Nomination Refusal and Nomination Committee Chairman's Resignation
The People Power Party (PPP) is in emergency mode for local election preparations after Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon refused to apply for additional nomination, demanding the formation of an innovation election committee and personnel reshuffle. The pro-leadership faction expressed displeasure by openly discussing a 'Plan B' despite Mayor Oh Se-hoon hinting at not running, with some even suggesting a 'cut-off' for Mayor Oh. In contrast, the reformist faction is backing Mayor Oh Se-hoon's call for an innovation election committee, even mentioning specific figures like former interim leader Kim Chong-in.
Amidst this, Lee Jung-hyun, chairman of the nomination management committee, tendered his resignation this morning, just over a month after his appointment, stating, “It is no longer possible to pursue the direction I had envisioned.” It is reported that there were disagreements over the nomination process for the Yeongnam region during the committee meeting, and Chairman Jang Dong-hyuk virtually rejected Chairman Lee Jung-hyun's resignation, stating that “fairness is vital in nominations.” Chairman Jang Dong-hyuk added that he would meet with Chairman Lee to dissuade him from resigning.
People Power Party Accelerates Push for Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho's Impeachment
Despite the chaotic internal situation, the People Power Party is focusing on an offensive against the administration, pushing for a special prosecutor investigation based on the 'indictment withdrawal deal claim' and concurrently pushing for the impeachment of Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho. Floor Leader Song Eon-seok claimed that Minister Jung Sung-ho's past remark to prosecutors, “You must reflect on your wrongdoings,” was an “admission of exertive pressure” and emphasized the necessity of impeaching Minister Jung Sung-ho. This appears to be a strategy to intensify their offensive against the government's operation by pressuring Minister Jung Sung-ho, who has been implicated in the 'indictment withdrawal deal claim.'
*Source: YouTube: Yonhap News TV (2026-03-13)*
