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

Candidates for the Democratic Party of Korea's party leader appealed for last-minute support on August 17 at the 3rd Regular National Convention of Party Members held at the Daejeon Convention Center, each presenting different visions for party management. Candidate Kim Min-seok emphasized 'party stability' and 'party members' sovereignty,' Candidate Jeong Cheong-rae highlighted 'uninterrupted reform' and 'internal unity,' while Candidate Song Young-gil criticized the leadership's election results and stressed the need for 'leadership change' and 'competitiveness in the general election.'

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 Min-seok pledged to create a "working, winning, and harmonious Democratic Party," putting stable party management at the forefront. He appealed to party members, saying, "I love the Democratic Party as if it were my own body," and asked, "Please cast a heavy vote to stabilize the party and empower the elected party leader."

Kim Min-seok particularly emphasized the 'era of party members' sovereignty.' Referring to issues such as dual party affiliation and phantom members that surfaced during this convention, he pledged, "I will root out the manipulation of primaries by fake members once and for all." He also cited the Democratic Party's legacy of continuing Korea's history, democracy, peace, security, economic growth, and overcoming internal conflict, presenting his vision as "opening the first Golden Age of Korea in 5,000 years of history."

Jeong Cheong-rae placed 'reform' at the forefront of his campaign. He asserted, "As a true Democratic Party candidate, I am the stronger reformist candidate for party leader," adding, "The moment we stop pedaling for reform, we will fall."

He cited the Democratic Party’s achievements over the past year in pursuing prosecution and judicial reforms, stressing that these reform efforts must continue. Discussing laws related to the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency, the Prosecution Service, and judicial reform, he highlighted, "Our Democratic Party administration, rank-and-file members, and delegates achieved reforms that had been unthinkable for decades."

Looking ahead, Jeong Cheong-rae identified judicial and press reform, the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution, the semiconductor industry, stock and real estate market stability, and peace on the Korean Peninsula as key tasks. Addressing internal party conflicts, he said, "Shouldn’t we start by uniting ourselves?" and added, "We, who have supported Kim Dae-jung, Roh Moo-hyun, Moon Jae-in, and Lee Jae-myung, share common roots." He urged party members, "We must achieve great unity rooted in this shared spirit."

Song Young-gil described himself as an 'independent ruling party leader who will support the Lee Jae-myung administration.' Referring to past prosecution reforms and Lee Jae-myung’s presidential campaign, he declared, "Whatever happens, I will fight with everything I have for the success of the Lee Jae-myung administration."

He also reached out to party members who supported Jeong Cheong-rae, Choi Min-hee, Lee Seong-yoon, and Han Min-soo, saying, "I fully understand and agree with the sentiments of those who support Jeong Cheong-rae, Choi Min-hee, Lee Seong-yoon, and Han Min-soo." He continued, "As colleagues, let us join hands and build a strong ruling Democratic Party for the success of the Lee Jae-myung administration."

Although the three candidates presented different solutions, they all shared the common goal of supporting the Lee Jae-myung administration’s success. Kim Min-seok stressed party stability and harmony, Jeong Cheong-rae advocated for reform and unity, and Song Young-gil prioritized leadership renewal and electoral competitiveness as they appealed to party members for their support.

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