[Ubose] The Era of Party Sentiment, The Place of Public Sentiment

"A party centered on its members is the beginning of becoming a national party."

Jang Dong-hyuk, President of the People Power Party, recently emphasized "party Wonju-kyeong-jueui" (party democracy), which more directly reflects the will of party members in party operations. He holds the position that party members' opinions should be reflected not only on his own future but also on disciplinary issues facing lawmakers within the party who have taken a stand against the party leadership. This is not incorrect. According to the principles of democracy and the intent of the Political Parties Act, the owners of a political party are primarily its members. Members pay dues, campaign for electoral victories, and choose leadership through voting.

The Democratic Party of Korea's first principle of party operation is also "party Wonju-kyeong-jueui." It introduces a one-member-one-vote system for registered members, marking the first time at the upcoming the 17th national convention that votes from delegates and registered members will be counted equally (1 to 1). This changes the previous structure where delegate votes were calculated at 20 times the value of registered member votes, aiming to realize party democracy centered on its members. Both ruling and opposition parties expanding the space for members' activities and amplifying their voices in leadership selection and major decision-making processes is a meaningful step toward party democracy.

However, there are things to consider. Is there no gap between a party-centered party and a national party? Can politics that focuses solely on party sentiment while detached from public sentiment amidst factional confrontation and fandom politics lead to compromise and adjustment?

If the expansion of members' influence intertwines with political extremism, party decision-making can be greatly swayed by the voices of hardline members. Ji Do-bu-wa (Rep.)s also become more conscious of party sentiment than public sentiment. Politicians who attempt compromise are easily labeled as "traitors," while strong voices are readily praised for their "clarity." The more this happens, the narrower the party's options become, and the space for compromise and adjustment shrinks.

This is a more fundamental Moon Je-neun (CEO) issue. While members are the core support base, they may differ from general voters in political interests or the intensity of their preferences. National Assembly members run for election with the party's endorsement, but after winning, their responsibility extends beyond just members and supporters. Party leadership cannot fulfill the responsibilities of a national party by merely following the demands of the majority within the party. A political party is an organization of its members, yet it is also a public institution entrusted with governing the nation through the people's choice.

Politicians must listen to the demands of their members but sometimes need to look at broader public sentiment and make different choices. Even if they face backlash, they must explain and persuade others regarding the reasons for their judgments. It is the role of politicians to strike a balance between how far they follow party sentiment and where they begin to exercise independent judgment.

We are now in an era of party sentiment. Member participation is expanding, and members' demands are becoming important criteria for party operations. However, it must not narrow down to only the place of public sentiment. Party sentiment cannot be the final standard of politics. Even in the era of party Wonju-kyeong-jueui, the space for public sentiment must be more ample.