Democratic Party Leadership Candidates Pledge Fair Election Practices: "Ensuring a Just National Convention"

Han Byungdo: "This Convention's Slogan Is 'The Party of All'"
"1.6 Million Party Members Take Center Stage... It Should Be a True Festival"

The Democratic Party of Korea held a pledge ceremony for fair elections on the 20th, ahead of the 8·17 National Convention. With recent controversy both inside and outside the party regarding alleged presidential intervention in party affairs related to the convention, the party leadership appears to be aiming to block further debate by emphasizing the fairness and neutrality of the election process.

Democratic Party of Korea Supreme Council candidates attended the pledging ceremony for fair elections held at the National Assembly on the 20th, signed the document, and took a commemorative photo. 2026.7.20 Photo by Hyunmin Kim

On the morning of July 20, the Democratic Party held the "Fair Election Practice Pledge Ceremony" in the Party Leader's Conference Room at the National Assembly, reaffirming its commitment to conduct the 8·17 National Convention in a fair manner. The event was attended by Han Byungdo, acting leader and floor leader of the party, as well as candidates for party leader and Supreme Council.

In his opening remarks, Floor Leader Han stated, "The slogan for this convention is 'The Party of All,' and it is now time for the Democratic Party to firmly support the success of the Lee Jae-myung administration as a party representing all citizens."

He continued, "I ask you to use today's pledge ceremony as an opportunity to engage in good-faith competition and positive campaigning. Given the high expectations of the public for fair elections, I urge you to compete honorably throughout the process and create a true festival in which the 1.6 million party members can take center stage."

He added, "The Democratic Party has always been strongest and most successful when united," expressing hope that this convention would serve as a moment for the party's values and vision to come together as one.

Central Party Election Commission Chairman So Byunghoon stated, "The August 17 convention is a major event for the Democratic Party. As the public is most interested in the process of electing the next leadership, we will manage the election based on principles and fairness." He also requested the cooperation of the candidates, saying, "No matter who is elected, we will manage the contest according to the principle of strict neutrality so that all candidates can accept the results."

Attending the pledge ceremony were party leader candidates Kim Minseok, Ko Minjung, Jeong Cheongrae, Kim Bomi, and Song Younggil (listed in order of ballot listing). Supreme Council candidates Park Sunwon, Lee Geontae, Lee Seongyun, Kim Yong, Park Sungjoon, Park Seungwon, Jeong Mincheol, Han Minsu, Seo Mihwa, Choi Minhee, Kim Youngho, Im Mi-ae, Shin Gyeryoon, and Kim Hyungnam were also present. They signed the "Fair Election Practice Pledge," which included commitments not to engage in acts such as spreading false information, distributing money or entertainment, providing special favors, slandering other candidates, or fomenting regionalism; to comply with the party's constitution and bylaws and accept the election results; and to build a unified and harmonized election process.

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