Democratic Party Preparatory Committee Responds to Primary Schedule Controversy Favoring Jeong Cheongrae: "Based on Precedent"

"For now, things will proceed as decided"

The Democratic Party National Convention Preparatory Committee (the Preparatory Committee) stated on July 2 that the internal controversy regarding the nationwide touring primary schedule was "in line with precedent," adding, "For now, we will proceed as decided."

Assemblywoman Lee Yeonhee, spokesperson for the Preparatory Committee, responded to reporters' questions at the National Assembly after the second committee meeting, saying this when asked whether there was any possibility of changes to the schedule for each region.

(Seoul=Yonhap News) Reporter Hwang Kwangmo = Song Okju, Vice Chair of the Democratic Party National Party Member Convention Preparatory Committee, along with other committee members, is taking a commemorative photo at the first preparatory committee meeting held at the National Assembly on June 30, 2026.
hkmpooh@yna.co.kr (End)

Previously, at its first meeting, the Preparatory Committee confirmed the touring primary schedule as follows: Chungnam, Chungbuk, Daejeon, and Sejong on August 1; Ulsan, Busan, and Gyeongnam on August 2; Jeju and Incheon on August 8; Gangwon, Daegu, and Gyeongbuk on August 9; Jeonbuk, Gwangju, and Jeonnam on August 15; and Gyeonggi and Seoul on August 16.

However, it has been reported that Assemblyman Kim Minseok and Assemblyman Song Younggil, both considered contenders for party leadership, have expressed dissatisfaction with the schedule, arguing that it favors former leader Jeong Cheongrae. Their complaints center on the fact that the first primary region is the Chungcheong area, which is Jeong's hometown, and that the Honam primary is scheduled for the latter part of the race. Recently, opposition sentiment toward Jeong has grown in Honam, and they believe that holding the Honam primary in the later stage could give Jeong an opportunity to turn the situation around.

Assemblywoman Lee commented, "We will need to see if there are any differing opinions within the leadership, but as of now, the Preparatory Committee is proceeding according to the decision."

The final round of the party convention will feature three candidates for party leader and eight candidates for the Supreme Council. If the number of registered candidates exceeds these figures, a preliminary primary (cutoff) will be held.

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