DP's Park Sunwon Announces Candidacy for Supreme Council Election: "Will Build a Party Strong in Security, Economy, and Livelihoods"

"I Will Build a Democratic Party That Wins the Next General and Presidential Elections"

Park Sunwon, a lawmaker of the Democratic Party of Korea, has announced his candidacy for the Supreme Council election at the Democratic Party National Convention, which will be held on August 17.

On June 24, Park held a press conference at the National Assembly and officially declared his candidacy, stating, "As a Supreme Council member, I will make the Democratic Party stronger." Among the potential candidates for the next party leader and Supreme Council, Park is the first to officially announce his bid.

(Seoul=Yonhap News) Photo by Hyunwoo Shin - Park Sunwon, a lawmaker of the Democratic Party of Korea, declares his candidacy for the Supreme Council member at the National Assembly Communication Center on June 24, 2026.

He emphasized, "The Democratic Party must prove that it can take responsibility for the future of the Republic of Korea. The Lee Jaemyung administration will achieve this, and the Democratic Party must provide its full support."

Park stated, "What the people want is competence, responsibility, and better results," adding, "I, Park Sunwon, will take the lead to ensure the Democratic Party becomes a party that is strong in national security, strong in the economy, and firmly committed to improving people's livelihoods."

He went on to say, "With the next general election and presidential election on the horizon, I will build a Democratic Party that is certain to win."

He declared, "Victory does not come automatically. We must unite to achieve victory. I stand here to become the Supreme Council member for all Democratic Party members. From now on, I will be a steadfast worker, quietly getting the job done."

Park highlighted that he detected signs of crisis ahead of the 12·3 Martial Law, stating, "I will become a Supreme Council member who is the first to sense and prevent crises, and one who overcomes crises."

Regarding concerns that this National Convention may amplify conflict between the pro-Chung Cheongrae and pro-Lee Jaemyung factions, Park remarked, "In reality, the Democratic Party does not have factions. We should focus on what the people want and what they find most difficult." He added, "I am confident that this National Convention will be a beautiful event where warm and constructive policy visions unfold, rather than mere competition during the primary process."

When asked if he plans to form an alliance with other prominent candidates for party leadership, such as Representative Jung Chungrae, Prime Minister Kim Minseok, or lawmaker Song Younggil, Park replied, "I have no prior plans to form alliances with anyone."

Park said, "Representative Jung was like a personal tutor when I joined the party as the fourth recruited talent, dedicating four hours each time to educate me as the chief Supreme Council member. I am deeply grateful to him." Regarding Prime Minister Kim, he described him as a "lifelong friend," and with lawmaker Song, he said their relationship is that of "lifelong seniors and juniors."

He continued, "I am on speaking terms with all current candidates for party leader. No matter how difficult or challenging the issue, I am confident that I can speak frankly. Whether in public or private, I will not hesitate to say what needs to be said."

On the issue of abolishing the supplementary investigative authority, Park stated, "From the President to the Prime Minister to Representative Jung, there is no difference of opinion. It should be abolished." He further asserted, "It is my position that the prosecution should never again be allowed to have direct investigative authority or, even indirectly, to command investigative police."

Park is a first-term lawmaker representing Bupyeong-gu-eul in Incheon. In the 22nd National Assembly, he served as a member of the National Defense Committee and as secretary of the Intelligence Committee. Within the Democratic Party, he held posts such as deputy floor leader, chair of the Policy Committee’s Intelligence Policy Coordination Subcommittee, senior vice chair of the Strategic Planning Committee, and secretary of the Special Committee on the Third Major Special Prosecutor for Rebellion Cases.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.