Democratic Party Narrowly Resolves National Convention 'Rules'... Supreme Council Approves Preferential Voting System Amendment

Closed-Door Supreme Council Determines Election Rules
Party Affairs Committee Reviews Party Rule Amendments
Lee Sungyun Resigns from Supreme Council

The Supreme Council of the Democratic Party of Korea decided on July 14 to amend the party rules and introduce a "preferential voting system" for the upcoming August 17 National Convention. However, the proposal to introduce a separate Supreme Council member for youth was rejected.

Kang Junhyun, Chief Spokesperson of the Democratic Party, told reporters after the closed Supreme Council meeting that day, "We intended to amend the party rules to minimize controversy over the leadership election rules ahead of the National Convention," and added, "The main content is to clearly stipulate that both the preferential voting system and the runoff voting system can be used for the final round of voting. The relevant party regulation amendments will be approved at 4 p.m." Kang also noted, "The amendment was handled through verbal discussion rather than a formal vote."

Park Jiwon (from left), Park Kyuhwan, and Moon Jungbok, top members of the Democratic Party's pro-China faction, met with reporters after a closed-door top members' meeting held at the National Assembly on July 14 to express their opposition to the 'preferential voting system.' 2026.7.14 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Although several Supreme Council members close to former Supreme Council Chairman Jung Cheongrae, who hold a decisive voting bloc, have expressed opposition to the adoption of the preferential voting system, the process on this day proceeded through verbal agreement instead of an official vote. Earlier, Supreme Council member Lee Sungyun argued that introducing the preferential voting system was an issue requiring an amendment to the party constitution and left the meeting. Later, speaking with reporters, he announced, "As of today, I will step down from my position on the Supreme Council." Park Kyuhwan, another Supreme Council member, stated, "I had no choice but to make this decision to prevent total breakdown," and explained, "In accordance with the spirit of party over self, the majority (pro-China faction) has given up its rights and agreed to follow the wishes of the minority." Supreme Council member Hwang Myungseon, who supported the preferential voting system, commented, "The leadership had been stalled for over a week over the issues and methods," and added, "As a member of the current leadership, I feel unlimited responsibility for causing division among party members and concern among the public."

Meanwhile, the proposal by the National Convention Preparatory Committee (Jeonjunwi) to separately elect a youth Supreme Council member was rejected by the Supreme Council. Spokesperson Kang stated, "Since it was rejected at the Supreme Council, the proposal to introduce a youth Supreme Council member will likely be reconsidered by the preparatory committee." Kang Deukgu, a Supreme Council member supporting the proposal, criticized, "Appointees nominated by the party leader tend to be influenced by the leader," and further pointed out, "It is a demand of the times that the stance and concerns of the youth be reflected in the party's policy and vision through election, but part of the leadership opposed this."

Meanwhile, the Democratic Party plans to finalize the method for electing leadership at the National Convention by holding another round of meetings of the preparatory committee, the Supreme Council, and the Party Affairs Committee, once amendments to the party rules and other preparations are complete.

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