Democratic Party Leadership Candidates Hold Final TV Debate: Jeong Stresses "Reform," Song "Election," Kim "Unity"

Candidates for the Democratic Party of Korea's August 17 National Convention highlighted distinct priorities—'reform,' 'general election victory,' and 'internal unity'—as key tasks for the next leadership during the final TV debate on the 112th day of the race.

Jeong Cheongrae, Song Younggil, and Kim Minseok, candidates for the Democratic Party leader, are posing for a commemorative photo before the start of a TV debate held at SBS in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul on August 12, 2026. Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers Group

Jeong Cheong-rae emphasized the "continuity of reform," underscoring the achievements made during his tenure over the past year as party leader, at the debate held at SBS in Mok-dong, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul. Jeong stated, "Over the past year, together with the people and party members, we realized a one-member-one-vote system based on party member sovereignty," adding, "We achieved prosecution reform, the abolition of the Prosecutors' Office, enacted the Prosecution Office Act and the Serious Crime Investigation Office Act, and have now reached the full abolition of supplementary investigation rights."

As for regional issues, Jeong pointed to the semiconductor cluster project for the southwest region of Gwangju, describing it as "a crucial factor for national prosperity," and said, "I will pay close attention to this, work to pass the necessary legislation, and make efforts to ensure its stable development."

In response to Jeong's emphasis on achievements in prosecution and judicial reform, Song Young-gil positioned himself by saying, "I am Song Young-gil, not the leader of the Reform Party or Progressive Party, but a candidate for leader of the Democratic Party," signaling a critique.

Song placed "victory in the general election" front and center. He stated, "I will make the Democratic Party a true ruling party," adding, "Through the local by-elections on June 3, the people gave us a warning. If we continue like this, victory in the general election will not be easy," directly challenging Jeong.

Kim Min-seok underscored "unity within the party" and "supporting state governance." Acknowledging the debates and conflicts among candidates during the convention process, Kim said, "Once the convention is over, I will unite the party as one, provide steadfast support for national governance, and lead the way to a general election victory."

Kim also pledged to promptly advance mega projects in Gwangju and Jeonnam, and to establish an independent mega growth plan for Jeonbuk. For the Seoul metropolitan area, Kim promised to pursue a 'normalization plan' targeting the relatively disadvantaged regions of northern Gyeonggi and northern Seoul.

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