Kim Min-seok: "There Is No Middle Ground? Compromise Is Difficult"... Jung Cheong-rae Leaves, Saying "That Was Rude"

[Financial News, Incheon = Lee Hae-ram, Kim Hyeong-gu]At a workshop attended by all lawmakers of the Democratic Party of Korea, Kim Min-seok highlighted a difference in political direction by referring to former leader Jung Cheong-rae's remark that "there is no middle ground." Jung expressed regret, saying it was "rude." He was also seen leaving in the middle of the workshop. Kim had tried to promote party unity by presenting Jung with a Certificate of Appreciation, but ultimately failed to ease the divisions.
At the workshop held on the 27th at Inspire Hotel & Resort in Yeongjong District, Incheon, Kim said, "We reached a tentative conclusion that the issue of the middle ground, the issue of a structural majority, and the question of where we should go are matters of differing judgment, so it is difficult to compromise."
He also stressed the policy divide by naming Jung directly, saying, "Former leader Jung is a representative advocate of the 'there is no middle ground' view." He also mentioned writer Rhyu Si-min's ABC theory. In his 20-minute speech, Kim referred to Jung seven times.
Jung then publicly expressed his displeasure through social networking service. He said, "I regret that my real name was mentioned and used as a tool in Kim Min-seok's own line of argument."
He added, "I really did not expect that our brief conversation yesterday would become the subject of today's presentation. I was shocked and taken aback. It is almost violent to mention the real name of a rival from the party convention and make one-sided claims just to hear only what you want to hear and say only what you want to say, cutting out the beginning and end. Isn't that too rude?"
Jung advised, "There is no benefit in humiliating a rival in this way with a microphone at the previous party convention. The first priority should be to comfort and console the wounds of party members and supporters."
He also wrote, "I believe progressive reform agendas are better handled by the party," adding, "Ideally, the party would take the left, while the party and the administration would naturally divide roles with the administration taking the right."Jung left the workshop, saying he had another schedule to attend. He is expected to return once that engagement is finished.[email protected] Lee Hae-ram Kim Hyeong-gu Reporter