장동혁, 당협위원장 254명 전원 재선출 강행하나…국힘 ‘폭풍전야’

On the day of President Park's inauguration a year ago, Chung Dong-young, the head of Democratic Party of Korea, unexpectedly proceeded to re-elect all 254 vice presidents of the party, including current lawmakers. This move has heightened tensions within the party, as it led to disciplinary actions against four independent lawmakers.

The opposition party's chief spokesperson, Park Bye-young, stated at a press conference on the 23rd that the re-election of all vice-presidents should be discussed at the next highest body meeting, which could occur during the party's final meeting in August.

Chung Dong-young presented the 'Party-centered Party' concept on the 20th, advocating for a vote-based re-election of the vice-presidents at the regular party's operational committee. However, this plan faced backlash from lawmakers. On the 21st, lawmakers from the party's legislative assembly opposed the proposal, believing that Chung's plan aimed to consolidate power within the party hierarchy.

Out of nine qualified lawmakers, five (Chung Dong-young, Kim Min-su, Kim Jae-won, Yang Hyun-jang, and Jo Guk-han) supported the plan, increasing the likelihood of the issue being decided at the next highest body meeting.

The four lawmakers facing disciplinary actions will lose their eligibility to run in the 2028 general election if the punishment is confirmed. The remaining three lawmakers, excluding Cho Jong-oh, could face disqualification from running in the 2028 election if found guilty of misconduct. Chung Dong-young was criticized for his actions during the past year, including rejecting separation from former President Yoon Suk-yeol and advocating for election fraud theories. This has led to criticism that the party has become more right-wing under his leadership.

Chung Dong-young faces criticism for his stance on the upcoming Seoul mayoral election, which is scheduled for April, as well as the possibility of a special early election in the capital. These developments have raised concerns about his continued influence within the party. Recently, there have been reports of lawmakers expanding their activities beyond the party, seen as preparations for an early party congress.

Despite resistance from conservative party members, Chung Dong-young is expected to announce a reform plan at the upcoming inauguration on the 26th.