Kim: "Party Stability," Jung: "Uninterrupted Reform," Song: "Leadership Change"

Candidates for the leadership of the Democratic Party of Korea appealed for final support by presenting differing visions for party management at the 3rd Regular National Party Members Convention held at the Daejeon Convention Center on August 17. Candidate Kim Minseok emphasized 'party stability' and 'members' sovereignty,' Candidate Jung Chungrae advocated for 'uninterrupted reform' and 'internal unity,' and Candidate Song Younggil, while criticizing the election outcomes of the current leadership, underlined the need for 'leadership change' and 'competitiveness in general elections.'

Jeong Cheong-rae, a candidate for the Democratic Party of Korea's party leader, is delivering a policy speech at the Daejeon Convention Center on the 17th, while supporters cheer by holding yellow pinwheels. Daejeon – Photo by Moon Hyewon

During his policy speech, Kim Minseok pledged to "create a Democratic Party that works, wins, and unites," highlighting stable party management as his chief priority. He said, "I love the Democratic Party as if it were my own body," and appealed to party members: "Please cast a weighty vote for stabilizing the party, and empower the elected party leader with your confidence and support."

Kim Minseok especially stressed the 'era of members' sovereignty.' Citing issues such as dual membership and so-called 'ghost members' raised during this party convention, he declared, "We must root out the manipulation of primary elections by fake members." He also positioned the Democratic Party as the party that has inherited the legitimacy of Korea's history, democracy, peace, national security, economic growth, and the overcoming of internal strife, adding, "My vision is to open the first golden era in 5,000 years of Korean history."

Jung Chungrae placed 'reform' at the forefront of his campaign. He described himself as "the strongest reform-oriented candidate suitable for the Democratic Party," adding, "The moment we stop pedaling the reform, we will collapse."

He cited the prosecution and judicial reforms promoted by the Democratic Party over the past year as achievements and urged that the reform drive must continue. Referring to bills such as the Establishment of the Central Investigative Agency and the Prosecution Agency as well as broader judicial reforms, he stressed, "Our Democratic Party government, together with our rights-holding members and delegates, have accomplished reforms that were unthinkable for decades."

For future tasks, Jung Chungrae pointed to judicial and media reform, the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution, the semiconductor industry, stabilization of the stock market and real estate, and peace on the Korean Peninsula. Addressing recent party conflicts, he said, "Shouldn't we start with unity ourselves?" and added, "We who have supported Kim Daejung, Roh Moo-hyun, Moon Jae-in, and Lee Jae-myung share the same roots." He appealed to the members: "Let us achieve great unity in the spirit of our common roots."

Song Younggil positioned himself as "an independent ruling party leader who will support the Lee Jae-myung administration." Recalling his involvement in prosecution reform and Lee Jae-myung's presidential campaign, he said, "No matter what happens, I will devote myself fully and fight for the success of the Lee Jae-myung government."

He also reached out to party members who support Jung Chungrae, Choi Minhee, Lee Sungyoon, and Han Minsu. Song Younggil said, "I fully understand and agree with the sentiments of the members supporting Jung Chungrae, Choi Minhee, Lee Sungyoon, and Han Minsu," adding, "We are all colleagues, and I will join hands with everyone to build a strong ruling Democratic Party for the success of the Lee Jae-myung administration."

Although the three candidates proposed different solutions, they all voiced a shared commitment to supporting the success of the Lee Jae-myung government. Kim Minseok called for stability and unity, Jung Chungrae advocated for reform and solidarity, and Song Younggil emphasized leadership renewal and electoral competitiveness, each appealing for party members' support.

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