586 Representative Jeong Cheong-rae Claims 'The 586 Activist Culture Should Be Cleared Out'

Jeong Cheong-rae, a member of the Democratic Party and a former student activist from the 1980s, expressed his stance that "the activist culture of the 586 generation should be cleared out."

At this time, the term 586 refers to the generation of activists born in the 1960s who are now in their 50s and part of the university class of the 1980s, with Jeong being one of the representative figures of the 586 generation.

On the 24th, Jeong appeared on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' and stated, "To be honest, I disliked the order of the 586 and the vertical relationships within the activist community. Being around such people felt very unproductive. That's why I didn't attend (events) and wasn't invited."

Jeong claimed, "Isn't the 586 the generation that fought in the June Democratic Uprising? We created the current constitution through that uprising, and while we should treasure that spirit, the 586's activist culture, which is criticized by the public, must be cleared out."

He continued, "The problem isn't just with the 586. The 97 generation (those who attended university in the 1990s and were born in the 1970s), who mingled with the 586 and learned through criticizing them, have aged too quickly, and that too needs to be addressed."

He also promised, "If I become party leader, I will elevate and nurture young politicians like Jang Kyung-tae and Mo Kyung-jong."

Regarding his desire to nurture these two individuals, he explained, "I want to create a party culture where exemplary ordinary members can also become members of the National Assembly, ministers, and even presidents."

Running for the party leadership, Jeong commented on his competitor, Park Chan-dae, saying, "If boxing were involved, I would be considered an infighter, while Park Chan-dae could be seen as an outboxer."

An infighter is someone who actively approaches their opponent to attack, while an outboxer maintains distance from their opponent and lands a decisive blow.

Jeong added, "There are insurrectionist forces existing everywhere. To clear this out, we need a strong party leader, and the party members want that as well."

Previously, Jeong officially announced his candidacy for party leader alongside former Democratic Party floor leader Park Chan-dae, with the national party convention scheduled for August 2.

Image Source: On February 25, Jeong Cheong-rae, the head of the impeachment team in the National Assembly, attended the final arguments in the impeachment trial of President Yoon Seok-youl at the Constitutional Court in Jongno, Seoul. / News1. Last June, President Lee Jae-myung (then leader of the Democratic Party) entered the supreme council meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul. From left, President Lee, floor leader Park Chan-dae, and Supreme Council member Jeong Cheong-rae. / News1. On the 24th, Park Chan-dae (right) and Jeong Cheong-rae, who declared their candidacy for Democratic Party leader, raised their hands towards reporters during a parliamentary meeting in Yeouido, Seoul. / News1.