Rift in MDP Runs Deeper

The Millennium Democratic Party (MDP) is showing signs of serious internal disputes in the wake of its overwhelming defeat in the June 13 local elections.

Some MDP non-mainstreamers hailing from the Chungcheong province and the Yeongnam region are calling for the resignation of Roh Moo-hyun, the party’s presidential candidate and a merger with other political parties.

The internal strife is expected to reach a crucial point when leadership council members, advisers, officeholders and lawmakers get together to discuss the party`s future course of action.

Meanwhile, the mainstreamers including Han Hwa-gap, the party chairman, Kim Won-gi, Roh’s political advisor and Kim Won-gil, secretary general of the party hold a breakfast meeting on Saturday and agreed to reorganize the party centered on Roh.

At the meeting, Han turned down the resignation of Kim Won-gil and confirmed that the incumbent leadership would be maintained.

On the other hand, a group of MDP reformists met on the same day and demanded that the presidential office of Cheong Wa Dae hold responsibility for massive corruption scandals involving President Kim Dae-jung’s two sons.

Rep. Kim Ki-jae said, “Those with vested interests are trying to brush over the current crisis but the public would not tolerate it. Fresh leaders should be at the center of the party.”

Rep. Song seok-chan also said, “Party chairman, Han and presidential nominee, Roh should resign and we should create a new party to recover the declining public support.”

Rep. Park, Sang-hee expressed similar views, saying, “Roh and Han should step down since the humiliating result of the local elections is the stern judgment of the public against them.

Jeong-Hun Kim Young-Hae Choi jnghn@donga.com yhchoi65@donga.com