KB News Desk
Democratic Party of Korea leadership candidate Rep. Jung Chung-rae on Monday dismissed speculations that the party could splinter after the leadership election.
Speaking to the press at the Jeonbuk State Council, Jung rejected speculation that the fierce competition in the leadership race could eventually lead to a party split.
“That’s out of the question, and I’ve never even considered it,” Jung said.
He also stressed that there is no division within the party, saying “repeatedly talking about a split can create unnecessary confusion, even among those who had never considered the possibility.”
Jung took a firm stance against allegations raised by fellow leadership candidate Kim Min-seok, who said the Shincheonji church had been interfering with the party. Because the allegation was raised by a party leadership candidate in a position of responsibility, the issue must be addressed first when the race ends, Jung added.
Asked whether he would seek party unity after being elected as all party leaders do, Jung, the ruling party’s former leader, said the issue is fundamentally separate from party unity.
“The party should pursue integration rather than a patch-up,” Jung said. “The winner should comfort those who lost, while those who lost should accept the result and show respect and a willingness to cooperate.”
