Kim Minseok: "I Will Strive for Zero Primary Conflicts"... Jeong Cheongrae: "You Have Fueled Division Until Now"

Incheon and Jeju Circuit Primaries Begin on August 8

Song Young-gil, Jeong Cheong-rae, and Kim Min-seok, candidates for the leadership of the Democratic Party of Korea, visited Jeju Island and Incheon on August 8, marking the beginning of the second week of circuit primaries for the August 17 party convention. While presenting their campaign platforms, they also delivered pointed remarks toward their opponents.

On the morning of the same day, the three candidates presented their platforms at a joint rally for Jeju and Incheon held at Heritique Jeju and Namdong Gymnasium in Incheon.

Yonhap News Agency

In his speech, Candidate Kim stated, "If I become party leader, I will firmly begin efforts to eliminate all conflicts arising from primary elections within the party," adding, "I will strengthen and broaden the party, and unite all capable forces—whether conservative, progressive, or centrist—under one banner."

He also emphasized the need to "normalize the party member structure" for party unity, pledging to resolve the issues of dual party membership, involuntary enrollment, and so-called "phantom" members.

Additionally, Kim appeared to respond to the attacks from Jeong's camp concerning criticism he had made four years ago during the local elections when he served as the chief campaign manager for then-President Lee, saying, "I worked alongside President Lee, whom I sometimes criticized, but who nonetheless embraced me, showed me 100% trust, and gave me the opportunity to fully demonstrate my abilities. Who here has worked with the President, sharing in state philosophy and direction over the past several years, more than Kim Min-seok?" he asked.

Candidate Jeong, aiming at Kim, emphasized, "The essence of this party convention is that party members are to judge a candidate who has split the party and caused pain to party members by raising issues such as the anti-Myung movement, divisiveness, and suspicions related to Shincheonji."

Regarding Kim's call for party unity that day, Jeong said bluntly, "Kim, who has fueled conflict and dragged the party convention into the mud, is not in a position to speak on unity."

Jeong also stated, "I ask party members not to forgive those who spread false propaganda that a Gwangju semiconductor cluster will fail if Jeong Cheong-rae becomes party leader. I hope you will judge them accordingly."

Song, addressing Jeong, said, "It's enough. There's no need for another term. Just as even after boiling bone hangover soup three times, nothing more comes out, what's the point of talking about prosecutorial reform again?" he said with emphasis.

Song also commented on Jeong's recent act of honoring former President Roh by saying, "You shouldn't cry again, claiming that only after Lee Jae-myung's departure did you realize it was spring," further stating, "Do not say things like 'Administrations are short-lived, but the people are eternal'—such words only cause pain for President Lee."

In Incheon, his own constituency, Song appealed to the local voters by saying, "Citizens of Incheon, please join forces."

The Democratic Party will continue its circuit primaries in Gangwon, Daegu, and North Gyeongsang Province on August 9.

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