As the Democratic Party gears up for its convention on August 17, factional competition within the party is intensifying, and candidates for the Supreme Council are beginning to take shape. With discussions of forming running mates with party leader candidates, their actions could significantly influence the image of those seeking the party leadership, making them key players in the leadership race.
Kim Young-ho, classified as part of the pro-Myeong faction, held a press conference at the National Assembly on the same day, declaring, "I will create a larger, stronger Democratic Party that moves from division to unity and wins again."
He emphasized, "As soon as the June 3 local elections concluded, public sentiment began to cool rapidly. Meanwhile, the party is mired in endless conflict and confrontation. The threat of mutual destruction is looming." Afterward, he expressed concern to reporters, stating, "The language of YouTubers is becoming the language of party members, leading to an excessively heated competition for the convention."
When asked if he plans to run as a running mate with any of the party leader candidates mentioned, including Jung Cheong-rae, Song Young-gil, Kim Min-seok, and Kim Yong-min, he replied, "I have deep connections with them. While we shouldn't be too closely tied, strong alliances on policies and issues are possible."
Previously, Park Sun-won also officially announced his candidacy for the Supreme Council at the National Assembly on June 24. Known to be part of the pro-Myeong faction, there had been speculation about a possible alliance with Song. However, Park stated, "I am not considering any alliances with anyone."
He reiterated his stance during an appearance on MBC Radio's "Kim Jong-bae's Focus," saying, "From the beginning, I believe it is not good to treat this as a team competition by tying one candidate for leader with two or three Supreme Council members."
Although both lawmakers have not actively indicated their intentions to form running mates, political analysts suggest that as the election phase begins, Supreme Council candidates may strategically align with party leader candidates.
Um Kyung-young, director of the Era Spirit Research Institute, stated in a phone interview with Aju Economy, "Supreme Council candidates generally have lower recognition compared to party leader candidates, so forming alliances could help them gain votes. Party members are likely to choose Supreme Council candidates associated with their preferred leader candidates."
He added, "It seems clear that the Democratic Party convention is heading toward a 'Myeong-Cheong showdown.' If the conflict between pro-Myeong and pro-Cheong factions intensifies, the convention could resemble a divisive assembly."
Meanwhile, among the pro-Myeong faction, besides the two lawmakers, Park Sung-jun and Lee Geon-tae are also being mentioned as potential candidates for the Supreme Council. The pro-Cheong faction is expected to include Lee Sung-yoon, along with lawmakers Choi Min-hee and Han Min-soo.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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