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Kim Min-seok, the leader of the Democratic Party, revealed tensions during his first workshop since taking office by referring to former leader Jeong Cheong-rae as a "representative proponent of the idea that there is no center." In response, Jeong strongly opposed this characterization, calling it "rude and a violent microphone dictatorship." This event was intended to emphasize party unity amid President Yoon's approval ratings dropping to the 30% range, but factional conflicts became prominent.
The workshop held in Incheon on the 27th began with Kim presenting a bouquet and a token of appreciation to Jeong, but discussions about ideological differences followed during Kim's lecture. Kim expressed the need for the expansion of moderate conservatism, concluding that compromise with Jeong would be difficult. In contrast, Jeong argued that the party should rally its traditional support base, further deepening the conflict.
During the workshop, Jeong expressed his displeasure and left the event, later expressing regret over Kim's remarks on social media. Other pro-Jeong lawmakers, including Supreme Council member Lee Seong-yun and Rep. Moon Jeong-bok, also raised criticisms of Kim's statements. As the controversy escalated, Kim stated that he would seek understanding if he caused discomfort. Meanwhile, an unofficial workshop discussed analyses and discussions regarding the president's declining approval ratings, and the Blue House canceled a luncheon between President Lee Jae-myung and Democratic Party lawmakers.