Historic Reunion: Jeong Cheong-rae and Yoo Si-min Unite After 20 Years of Political Rivalry
Daniel Kim Views
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| On April 24, Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheong-rae and Seoul mayoral candidate Jung Won-oh visited Agio, a social cooperative in Seongdong-gu, where they finished filming a talk program and posed for a commemorative photo. From left: Tak Hyun-min, former Blue House protocol secretary; writer Yoo Si-min; candidate Jung Won-oh; Agio CEO Yoo Seok-young; and party leader Jeong Cheong-rae. / Photo: Yonhap News |
Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheong-rae and writer Yoo Si-min appeared together at an official event for the first time after resolving a about a 20-year dispute.
On April 24, they joined Seoul mayoral candidate Jung Won-oh at the opening of Agio’s Seongsu branch, held at UNDERSTAND AVENUE in Seongdong-gu.
Former Blue House protocol secretary Tak Hyun-min and other figures aligned with the pro–Roh and pro–Moon factions also attended. Political observers said the gathering read as a symbolic rally of major Democratic Party factions behind Jung’s campaign.
The event’s main focus was the long-awaited first public meeting between Jeong and Yoo. At the venue, the two exchanged formal 90-degree bows.
When Yoo joked, “I’m a part‑timer,” Jeong replied, “So am I,” prompting laughter.
The two have been political rivals since the 2005 days of the Uri Party, split between the faction around Chung Dong‑young and the pro–Roh camp, and they clashed publicly for years. Last month Yoo expressed remorse and Jeong accepted his apology; this was their first joint public appearance since they reconciled.
◇ “We must win” — Support Messages Rally Around Jung Won‑oh
The three energized supporters by chanting “Agio, fighting!” together in front of a shoe display inside the store.
Jeong said many people had struggled under Mayor Oh Se‑hoon and stressed, “We must win.” Yoo offered encouragement to the candidate, saying, “You’re doing well right now.”
◇ Agio — “The President’s Shoes,” Symbolism in Focus
Agio is a handcrafted shoemaker that employs deaf artisans. The brand drew attention when former President Moon Jae‑in wore its shoes at the May 18, 2016 Democracy Movement memorial; later, Lee Jae‑myung supported the brand while he was Seongnam mayor, earning it the nickname “the president’s shoes.”
Writer Yoo Si‑min is a sponsor and promotional figure for the brand; at the event he wore an apron and participated in on‑site promotion.
◇ Three Display Strength in Seongsu‑dong — A Signal of Factional Consolidation
Seongsu‑dong is Jung’s political base: he served three terms as Seongdong district mayor and led notable urban regeneration projects there.
Political commentators described the meeting as both a sign of internal Democratic Party unity and a message of factional reconciliation. In particular, the joint appearance of Jeong Cheong-rae and Yoo Si‑min after a long-running conflict carries symbolic weight as the election season approaches.
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| At the Agio store opening on April 24 at UNDERSTAND AVENUE in Seongdong‑gu, Seoul — a handcrafted shoemaker that employs the hearing‑impaired — (from left) Seoul mayoral candidate Jung Won‑oh, Agio CEO Yoo Seok‑young, Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheong‑rae and writer Yoo Si‑min posed for a commemorative photo. / Photo: Yonhap News |
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