Democratic Party Kicks Off Regional Primary in Chungnam... Candidates Begin Full-Scale Rivalry

Tensions Run High Among Supporters

The first regional primary for the August 17th National Convention of the Democratic Party took place in Gongju, South Chungcheong Province on August 1. While the candidates for party leader and Supreme Council members unanimously stressed the "success of the Lee Jaemyung administration" and victory in the general elections, a fierce debate unfolded over the direction of party management and leadership accountability.

Han Byungdo, Acting Party Leader and Floor Leader of the Democratic Party, along with candidates for the party leader and Supreme Council members for the Democratic Party's August 17th National Convention, attended the regional primary held at the Chungnam Transportation Training Center on the 1st and took a group photo. Chungnam – Photo by Moon Hyewon

During a joint speech event at the Chungnam Transportation Training Center that morning for the selection of party leader and Supreme Council members, candidate Kim Minseok emphasized "election victory," candidate Jeong Cheongrae highlighted "reform," and candidate Song Younggil focused on "legitimacy."

Kim stated, "President Lee Jaemyung has declared an irreplaceable Republic of Korea, yet at this historic turning point, we find ourselves wavering." He further added, "When there is friction between the party and the administration, not only do elections falter, but the stock market also gets shaky." He continued, "The Lee Jaemyung administration has a historic mission to create a golden era, and it cannot be shaken just one year into its term. Prolonging the 'Myung-Cheong showdown' will be hell for the Democratic Party; we must close the gates of hell."

He also pledged, "After each Cabinet meeting, I will propose legislative tasks before the government does, transforming the party into a more agile organization," and promised to broadcast the party's work reports live.

Jeong touted his record of abolishing the prosecutors’ office and implementing a one-person, one-vote system, saying, "Internally, I will unify the party and also build solidarity with the broad progressive democratic camp." He vowed to "firmly defend a party based on member sovereignty," promised initiatives such as livestreaming party caucuses, and stressed, "I will run a clean campaign without any negative tactics."

Song directly targeted Jeong, asking, "Is it really necessary for the party leader to serve consecutive terms during President Lee Jaemyung's administration?" He added, "The one who is truly alone is President Lee Jaemyung," and stressed, "I will be a party leader who firmly supports the success of the administration."

The Supreme Council member candidates presented themes such as completing prosecutorial and media reform, strengthening member sovereignty, and supporting the Lee Jaemyung administration as their common agenda.

Candidate Han Minsu stated, "First, second, and third—what matters most is the success of the Lee Jaemyung administration. If reform stops, we will fall. We will continue reforms in prosecution, judiciary, and media until party members say enough." He also highlighted that "this is the first regular convention to apply the one-person, one-vote system," pledging to "complete the system of member sovereignty."

Candidate Kim Youngho criticized the previous leadership for "operating the party in a closed manner," adding, "I will build a leadership team that provides stability at the center of the party." He promised to expand the rights-holder council nationwide and to establish a policy debate committee for those in their 20s and 30s.

Candidate Kim Yong referred to his legal risks, stating, "I have been detained three times solely for being a comrade of Lee Jaemyung, but party members have saved me." Candidate Choi Minhui stressed, "We achieved prosecutorial reform for the first time in 70 years. Now, media reform must be achieved as well."

Candidate Park Seonwon declared, "The rebellion is not over. Those who shake the Lee Jaemyung administration must be eradicated." Candidate Im Mi-ae emphasized, "We must make the Democratic Party broader and bigger, expanding even into the Yeongnam region."

Candidate Lee Seongyun argued, "Prosecutorial reform is not yet complete. I will push to abolish the supplementary investigation authority and defend member sovereignty."

Candidate Seo Mihwa brought up the results of the last June 3 local elections, directly criticizing Jeong Cheongrae: "The previous party leadership (under former leader Jeong Cheongrae) showed no responsible reflection." Some supporters in the audience shouted, "Do not try to divide the party," while supporters of other candidates countered, "Jeong should not be re-elected as leader," causing the atmosphere in the room to become tense at times.

Meanwhile, starting with the joint speech event in the Chungcheong region, the Democratic Party plans to continue holding regional primary elections in sequence across the country.

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