Jeong Cheongrae Announces Bid for Party Leadership Re-Election: "I Will Stand by President Lee Jaemyung" (Updated)

"Once Again, a Strong Reformist Leader"
No Intention to Run for President Using the Party Leadership

Jeong Cheongrae, former leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, announced his candidacy for party leader on July 13. Jeong emphasized his loyalty to President Lee Jaemyung, stating, "I will stand by President Lee Jaemyung," and urged, "I will protect the Democratic Party and President Lee Jaemyung, so I ask our party members to support me."

At a press conference held at the National Assembly Communication Hall on July 13, Jeong declared, "Trusting only the will of the people and the party members, I am running for the leadership of the Democratic Party of Korea."

Jeong Cheong-rae, former leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is holding a press conference declaring his candidacy for re-election as party leader at the National Assembly Communication Office on the 13th. Photo by Yonhap News

Jeong, who pledged, "Once again, I will become a strong reformist party leader," promised, "I will address the people's livelihood through reform and sustain the momentum for reform through our commitment to the people." He noted that during his 11-month tenure as party leader, he worked tirelessly for reform, including settling the legacy of past internal conflicts, prosecutorial reform, judicial reform, media reform, and empowering party members. He cited achievements such as prosecutorial reform and one-person-one-vote party reform. Regarding the failed merger with the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, he stated, "I will put the matter to a vote of all party members," promising that the decision on the merger would be made by the members themselves.

Jeong stressed that "the Democratic Party must become a more democratic and more competent ruling party," and added, "We must continuously maintain the momentum for reform so that the government's achievements in improving people's livelihoods and the party's reform capacity can create a synergistic effect."

He repeatedly emphasized his commitment to remain loyal to President Lee. He said, "Completing the success of the Lee Jaemyung administration means achieving a change of government," and pledged, "For the stable governance of the Lee Jaemyung administration and to ensure a change of government, I will devote myself completely."

Jeong also made it clear that he would not use the party leadership to run for president. He stated, "I have no intention of using the party leadership position to run for president," and added, "I will not seek the presidency through the party leadership; instead, I will become an architect of victory in the presidential election."

Meanwhile, regarding the party convention primary, he promised not to engage in negative campaigning, to use only legally permitted donations, and not to operate a campaign office or similar facilities.

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