Intra-Party Tensions Flare as “ABC Theory” Sparks Debate within the Democratic Party
A recent public critique by Rhyu Si-min, former chairman of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation, has ignited a firestorm of internal debate within South Korea’s Democratic Party. Speaking on the YouTube channel ‘Maebul Show’ on the 25th, Rhyu expressed concerns that former party leader Song Young-gil’s actions could be detrimental to both President Lee Jae Myung and the party as a whole. This statement comes as Song prepares for a by-election and has previously voiced strong opposition to Rhyu’s “ABC theory,” a framework for categorizing party supporters. Song’s critique framed Rhyu’s theory as a tactic of “divide and rule,” leading to speculation that the remarks were aimed at the “NewLee Jae Myung” faction within the party. With crucial by-election nominations on the horizon and a party leadership election scheduled for August, these internal conflicts are intensifying.
The “ABC Theory” and its Controversial Reception
The core of the dispute lies in Rhyu Si-min’s “ABC theory,” first introduced on the ‘Maebul Show’ on the 18th. This theory attempts to classify Democratic Party supporters into three distinct groups:
- Group A: This segment of the supporter base is characterized by a primary focus on core values and principles.
- Group B: This group prioritizes practical interests and personal or group survival, often making decisions based on tangible benefits.
- Group C: This category represents a blend of both Group A and Group B, exhibiting characteristics of both value-driven and interest-driven motivations.
The interpretation of this classification has been highly contentious. Many within the ruling party, particularly those aligning with the “NewLee Jae Myung” movement, perceive Rhyu’s “ABC theory” as a thinly veiled attack on their faction, including Song Young-gil himself.
Song Young-gil’s Rebuttal and Counter-Accusations
Former party leader Song Young-gil has been a vocal critic of Rhyu’s framework. In an interview with Kyunghyang Shinmun on the 22nd, Song asserted his own leadership credentials, stating, “I became party leader by fighting against the pro-Moon Jae-in faction.” This statement implicitly suggests that the pro-Moon faction did not offer sufficient support to President Lee Jae Myung during his 2022 presidential campaign.
Further elaborating on his stance during a KBS radio appearance on the 24th, Song expressed his uncertainty about how Rhyu’s “ABC theory” might categorize individuals like himself. However, he emphasized his unwavering commitment to his principles, declaring, “I upheld my own values when President Lee was lonely and struggling.” This defense highlights Song’s perception of himself as a loyal supporter who stood by President Lee during challenging times.
Rhyu Si-min’s Clarification and Continued Criticism
As internal party tensions escalated, Rhyu Si-min offered a clarification on the 25th, attempting to diffuse the controversy. He stated that his classification of supporters was not intended as a divisive tool but rather as an analytical framework to understand the actions of politicians and critics. Despite this attempt at de-escalation, Rhyu reiterated his earlier assessment of Song Young-gil, describing him as “a person who could be harmful to President Lee Jae Myung and the Democratic Party.” This continued criticism suggests that Rhyu believes Song’s political approach poses a significant risk to the party’s stability and leadership.
Factional Divisions Deepen
The fallout from Rhyu’s remarks has led to further accusations of division from within the party. Representative Kim Young-jin, speaking on MBC Radio on the 26th, likened Rhyu’s comments to “unnecessary remarks thrown into the reservoir [that] are harming innocent bystanders.” Similarly, Democratic Party spokesperson Kim Nam-kuk commented that while Rhyu may advocate against division, his actions are “paradoxically providing material for division.”
Adding another layer to the internal discord, Representative Choi Min-hee, reportedly aligned with the pro-Jung Chung-rae faction, took to her Facebook on the same day. She pointed to the party’s 2022 election defeat, attributing it partly to “the incompetence of the election committee.” This statement carries particular weight, as Song Young-gil served as the standing election committee chairperson during that election.
The ongoing skirmishes, fueled by differing interpretations of supporter demographics and past election performance, underscore the deep-seated factional conflicts within the Democratic Party. As the party navigates upcoming elections and leadership contests, these internal divisions pose a significant challenge to its unity and future direction.
