Attacks Erupt Early in Ruling Party Leadership Race... Defections and Self-Serving Politics Spark Heated Debate

Kim Minseok: "The goal of the ruling party is not the volume of one's voice, but capability"


Jung Cheongrae: "A party leader should have no history of leaving the party"


Song Younggil: "The ruling party leader must fully support Pres

From the outset, candidates for the Democratic Party of Korea leadership in the August 17 convention showed sharp reactions during the televised debate. The debate repeatedly returned to attacks that surfaced early in the race, such as the question on the qualities required of a ruling party leader and controversies over self-serving politics.

In the second Democratic Party leadership debate held at KBS on August 5, Kim Min-seok, when asked about the qualities of a ruling party leader, answered, "I believe the merit of a ruling party leader is not in the volume of one's voice but in one's ability. To ensure that the people can live their daily lives with peace of mind, the leader must have the capability to take charge of policy and governance with confidence and work in concert with the president. That, I believe, is the most important quality of a ruling party leader." His remark about "the volume of one's voice" was directed at Jung Cheong-rae, who has advocated for a strong stance and outspoken leadership, essentially branding himself as the party's "cannon."

Song Young-gil, Kim Min-seok, and Jung Cheong-rae (from left) Democratic Party of Korea leadership candidates are taking a commemorative photo before the TV debate held on August 5, 2026, at KBS in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group

Not to be outdone, Jung responded, "The leader of the ruling party should be loyal, not a betrayer. I am not engaging in negative campaigning nor disparaging my opponents. I am under tremendous attack—two against one, three against one." This was a reference to Kim's past experience of leaving the party.

Song Young-gil commented, "We need to shift from Hong Myung-bo-style leadership to Hiddink-style leadership. We do not need a leader who focuses solely on personal politics and building their own organization in opposition to President Lee Jaemyung, but rather, like Hiddink, a ruling party leader who puts the party first and fully supports President Lee Jaemyung." Song's remarks were also aimed at the controversy over Jung's self-serving politics.

The same pattern continued when candidates were asked about their comparative advantages.

Jung cited his record of not leaving the party when he was cut from nominations in past general elections, stating, "The other two candidates have both left the party before. I believe anyone aiming to become party leader should not have a history of abandoning the Democratic Party's identity and legitimacy." In this, he challenged Kim and Song's previous departures from the party.

Following this, Song countered, "Someone who thoroughly engages in negative campaigning while falsely claiming otherwise, someone absorbed in self-serving politics—rather than that, I have fought on, even risking my own district to protect Lee Jaemyung and enduring many hardships. This is the spirit of putting the party first and personal affairs after. I am a true comrade who will stand by President Lee Jaemyung to the very end."

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