On Tuesday, Kim Geun-sik, chairman of the People Power Party’s Songpa district committee in Seoul, lambasted party members who filed ethics complaints against pro-Han Dong-hoon figures. He likened them to the henchmen of Kim Il Sung’s anti-factional purges in North Korea.
The anti-factional struggle refers to Kim Il Sung’s ruthless purging of the Yan’an and Soviet factions, whom he branded as divisive elements, to consolidate his autocratic rule.
Appearing on News1TV’s Fact and View, Kim drew parallels between the ruling faction’s actions and the North Korean Workers’ Party’s tactics, stating that the way they’re filing ethics complaints against those who criticize the party leader is reminiscent of North Korea’s modus operandi.
Kim elaborated that party leader Jang Dong-hyuk claims that lawmakers who accompanied former leader Han Dong-hoon on his Daegu visit engaged in questionable activities. Now, some non-incumbent district chairpersons, spearheading this anti-factional crusade, are threatening to file ethics complaints against these lawmakers. If it starts expelling members for statements or actions that displease the party leader or the ruling faction, how is it any different from the North Korean Workers’ Party?
Kim advised that former leader Han should set his sights on the 23rd National Assembly elections in two years, rather than the imminent by-elections coinciding with the June 3 local elections.
He emphasized that instead of jumping into this by-election to battle a People Power Party candidate, Han should focus on crafting a compelling narrative and honing his leadership skills.
Kim predicted that if the People Power Party suffers a crushing defeat in the local elections, new strategies will emerge. Han could return as a valuable asset, potentially assuming a crucial role. If party members entrust him with leadership, he might even become party chairman. As chairman, he’d lead the party into the general election in two years, and securing a parliamentary seat would smooth his path to a presidential bid. It’s Han’s inner circle who seem overly anxious about him not having a seat in this by-election.
Kim questioned the significance of parliamentary membership, stating that some believe Han needs a seat for political security, but what real value does it hold? He doesn’t think it should fixate on it.
He urged Han to consider his ultimate goal, saying that if it’s just about getting a parliamentary seat, sure, run in the by-election. But isn’t Han aiming to return to the party, become its leader or presidential candidate, and set his sights on the Blue House?
Addressing the party’s plummeting approval ratings, now in the 10% range, Kim warned that this week’s Gallup poll will likely show similar numbers. Yet, Representative Jang and the leadership remain paralyzed, while senior lawmakers merely spectate. The chances of a party revival or normalization are slim. After an expected debacle in the local elections, things could deteriorate even further.