Amid Ongoing Controversy... Democratic Party to Fundamentally Reconsider Convention Candidate Deposits

President Lee Cites "Difficulties for Young Candidates"
Move to Hike Deposits Halted Amid Criticism
Han Byungdo: "Raised Concern Over Excessive Amounts"
Election Commission to Review at July 21 Meeting

The Democratic Party of Korea has come under controversy after significantly increasing the candidate deposits for the August 17 party convention, leading to discussions about a fundamental review of the decision. Even President Lee Jaemyung personally referred to "the difficulties faced by young candidates," and, as both internal and external criticisms mounted, the move to raise deposits has been effectively halted.

Han Byungdo, acting party leader and floor leader of the Democratic Party, stated at the Supreme Council meeting on the 20th, "I raised the issue of excessive candidate deposits with the Central Party Election Commission Chairperson regarding the party convention. In particular, I have officially requested a review of the deposit issue for young candidates, as there have been even greater concerns raised about this. The election commission will hold a meeting tomorrow to discuss the matter," he said. Han emphasized, "I hope that at the very least, proposals will be reviewed to bring the deposits to the level of the previous party convention," and added, "In the mid- to long-term, we should also consider issues related to the public funding system."

Candidates for the Democratic Party of Korea leader and Supreme Council members attended the pledge 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 Kim Hyunmin

Previously, on July 16 and 17, the Democratic Party required candidates running for party leader or supreme council member to pay a 20 million won deposit each for the preliminary primary when registering their candidacy. This is up to four times higher than in the 2022 convention, when the deposits were 15 million won for party leader candidates and 5 million won for supreme council candidates. Candidates under 39 years of age who have not previously held office received a 50% discount. Including the main primary, party leader candidates must pay a total of 100 million won, and supreme council candidates 50 million won.

On July 19, President Lee pointed out on social media, "It is not that the party's finances are in trouble, and there is both a need and a policy imperative to support young people." Jeong Mincheol, Deputy Chair of the Democratic Party Policy Committee and a candidate for supreme council member, also pointed out the problems of the high deposit, stating, "Candidates who are not currently in office are completely barred from receiving donations due to the Political Funds Act."

After several pro-Lee Jaemyung candidates such as former Prime Minister Kim Minseok, lawmakers Song Young-gil, Lee Geontae, and Kim Youngho, and former Deputy Director Kim Yong of the Democratic Research Institute, former Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheongrae also expressed support for readjusting the deposits. On a radio interview with MBC this day, Jeong said, "I was not aware that the deposit amounts had increased so much," and added, "Since the President himself suggested we should move toward a public funding system, the party should shoulder the burden."

Meanwhile, on the morning of July 20, the Democratic Party held a "Pledge Ceremony for Fair Elections" at the National Assembly. Floor Leader Han said, "I hope today's pledge ceremony will serve as an opportunity to encourage healthy competition and positive campaigning." Central Party Election Commission Chairperson So Byeonghun stated, "We will manage the election with strict impartiality so that all candidates, regardless of who is elected, can accept the results."

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