Ruling Party Clashes Over Gwangju Semiconductor and Innovation Party Merger Ahead of Critical Honam Primary (Comprehensive)

Chungrae Jeong: "Swift Legislative Action"
Minseok Kim: "Speed Through Party-Government Cooperation"

As the August 17 Democratic Party of Korea convention approaches, the main contestants for party leadership have clashed over support measures for the Honam Semiconductor Cluster, ahead of the crucial vote by Honam party members with delegate voting rights. With the primary race escalating into personal disputes, concerns are growing that internal divisions may persist even after the convention.

Chungrae Jeong, a candidate for party leader, expressed his confidence during the Democratic Party leadership debate held at KBC on the 10th, responding to a question about strategies for fostering a semiconductor cluster in the southwestern region by stating, "Speed is everything, and when it comes to speed, it's Chungrae Jeong," adding, "While serving as party leader, there were over 1,000 bills in the National Assembly plenary session over a year, and it was the party leader's role to review these bills in the final stage." In response, Minseok Kim, a candidate for party leader and former Prime Minister, countered, "With collaboration between the party and the government, this can progress quickly." He emphasized, "I already have experience in coordinating cross-ministerial and corporate efforts while leading the creation of mega projects."

They also disagreed over support measures regarding the relocation of the Gwangju military airport. When candidate Younggil Song brought up the economic gains from the relocation, candidate Minseok Kim said, "This could be reviewed with several options by the economic ministries," whereas candidate Chungrae Jeong replied, "Wouldn't it be appropriate to invest public funds as well?"

Candidates for the Democratic Party leadership are taking a commemorative photo at the TV debate held on the afternoon of the 10th at KBC in Seo-gu, Gwangju, Jeollanam-do. From left to right: Song Younggil, Chung Cheongrae, and Kim Minseok. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Tensions also flared over the so-called 'Honam political establishment reshuffle' debate. Candidate Minseok Kim stated, "There were numerous controversies during the recent local elections. I plan to gather case studies, analyze causes and alternatives, and draw up an innovative nomination plan by the end of this year at the latest." Chungrae Jeong refuted, saying, "The outcome is a result of lawmakers failing to align themselves with the sentiments of Honam." He added, "Honam voters do not vote simply for candidates from the region. What they want is for their representatives to be competent and reform-minded."

The candidates were also divided over the issue of merging with the Cho Kuk Innovation Party. Chungrae Jeong said, "After the convention, I plan to ask all party members about their views on unification with the Innovation Party and proceed with the merger based on the members' wishes." Minseok Kim responded, "The parties could merge if not just a simple majority, but more than two-thirds of both parties agree; even in this case, the Democratic Party name must be retained." He further stressed, "In any scenario, a sudden merger announcement must be avoided."

As the leadership race nears its conclusion, both sides are intensifying their offensives. Accusations related to political legitimacy and qualifications—such as alleged involvement with Shincheonji, records of party defection, and claims of betrayal—are escalating. There are concerns both inside and outside the party that the deepened factional hostility during the contest could persist after the convention. Given the tight race, there is also speculation that once the winner is decided, conflicts might reignite among the losing faction.

Meanwhile, the vote among party members with delegate voting rights in Honam (Gwangju in Jeonnam, and Jeonbuk) will be held from today through the 14th.

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