Kwak Sang-eon, a member of South Korea's Democratic Party and the son-in-law of former President Roh Moo-hyun, has publicly criticized Jeong Cheong-rae for his remarks about Roh. On social media, Kwak argued that many who claim to honor Roh also mock him, and that expressing superficial praise does not equate to genuinely following his political legacy. He warned against using Roh's memory as a mere tool for political influence, insisting that true commemoration requires actionable steps to revive Roh's ideals within the party.

During a recent Democratic Party meeting in Jinju, Jeong expressed nostalgia for Roh, particularly reflecting on issues of prosecutorial reform that relate to Roh's legacy. He identified as a member of "NoSaMo" (a group that loves Roh Moo-hyun), indicating a deep personal connection to the former president. However, Kwak's assertion challenges the authenticity of such sentiments, suggesting that invoking Roh's name often serves as a political shield during crises rather than a sincere tribute.

Kwak's comments come amid ongoing discussions about the Democratic Party's direction and its connection to Roh Moo-hyun's reformist legacy. As tensions grow within the party, the conversation signifies a larger struggle over how best to honor past leaders while navigating contemporary political challenges. Kwak urges that honoring Roh must translate into concrete political actions rather than mere words, indicating a desire for a resurgence of Roh's principles in current Democratic Party policies.