The Democratic Labor Party (DLP) has new leadership. It held elections over the weekend and former labor activist Moon Sung Hyun of the South Gyeongsang branch of the party has been elected chairman. Subsequently the DLP's top three elected positions are now occupied by members you would consider part of the so-called "independence faction" (jajupa), which places so much priority on issues of the Korean nation (minjok). That speaks of what directions the party will be taking in the immediate future.
This latest election was the most problematic one so far. Many observers say that instead of constructive criticism and debate, there was a lot of personal attacks and slander. Throughout the campaign a lot of party members expressed concern about what would happen with the party even once elections were finally over. It was very disappointing for a party that pledges to "engage in progressive politics that overturns corrupt conservative politics and gives hope."
The DLP's first task will be overcoming the division and confrontation and plan for reform. Its new leaders' responsibility is to prove to voters that something is different about a progressive party. Hiding and patching up the antagonism will not do the trick. It will only be able to heal the wounds in the course of making new policies through serious debate and democratic acknowledgment of members' views.
The DLP's platform is an issue on which the success of progressive politics depends. It must not focus entirely on nationalist issues because the "independence faction" has seized power, because promoting the transformation of labor into a political force is one of its major goals. That is why it needs to get to work on behalf of the interests of laborers and particularly irregular workers. Something else the DLP's new leaders need to do is present voters with reform policies that make them believe that progressive forces will reform politics.
One hopes to see the DLP instigate change in politics by being reborn as a party that is responsive to voters, ahead of regional elections at the end of May. That is the historic mission given to those in progressive politics.
The Hankyoreh, 13 February 2006.
[Translations by Seoul Selection]
[Editorial] Democratic Labor Party's New Leadership |
