Candidates for the leadership of the Democratic Party of Korea continued their efforts to rally support across the country on July 11. Each candidate is actively promoting themselves as the best person to support President Lee Jae-myung, engaging in what is referred to as the "Myeongsim" campaign, aimed at aligning with the president's intentions.
According to Yonhap News, former Prime Minister Kim Min-seok visited various locations in the Gyeonggi Province, including Yongin and Seongnam. He reiterated that he is the most suitable candidate to lead the successful governance of the Lee Jae-myung administration.
At a meeting with the Yongin Gap district committee, Kim stated, "I have worked closely with President Lee for the past three years, and our philosophical understanding is similar. I believe I can provide the best support right now."
He also addressed concerns regarding the party's stagnant approval ratings, saying, "We are being criticized as a faction of insurrectionists, but we cannot afford to lose support. Looking at the recent local elections, we technically won, but it was not a comfortable victory, and party support can flip in any situation." He urged for support, claiming, "Among the candidates, I am the one who resonates the most nationwide."
Former party leader Jung Cheong-rae focused on social media campaigns, emphasizing the need for a party that prioritizes member sovereignty and clarity of purpose. He also held a private meeting with young people in Chungbuk as part of his behind-the-scenes activities.
On his Facebook, Jung wrote, "I am the one who will protect President Lee until the end. Do not worry. I will lead a broad progressive coalition to win the next general election and restore our government. Trust in Jung Cheong-rae."
Regarding the new one-person, one-vote system being implemented in this election, he highlighted the role of party members, stating, "The sovereignty of South Korea lies with the people, and all power comes from the people. The party's leadership belongs to the members, and all authority comes from them." He appealed, "I will only follow the public sentiment and the party's will. I ask party members to support Jung Cheong-rae with their one vote."
Jung also announced that he visited the grave of the late former Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan, stating, "The one-person, one-vote system I completed during my time as party leader is a significant achievement that fulfills the legacy of the Prime Minister. I advocate for unification among supporters of all four former presidents within the party and aim to raise the banner for victory in the general election and the restoration of our government through a broad progressive coalition. Unification and solidarity are the answers."
On July 9, Song Young-gil officially declared his candidacy for party leader in Gwangju and has since focused on garnering support in the Honam region. On July 11, he visited Wonkwang University in Iksan, Jeonbuk, and local traditional markets, highlighting his administrative experience as a key strength.
Song stated, "I take pride in being the person who has implemented President Lee's pragmatic politics from the beginning. I am the only candidate with experience as a head of a local government. My proven administrative capabilities are essential for ensuring that the Lee Jae-myung administration's four years are not wasted and for effectively supporting legislation and budgets as the ruling party leader."
On July 8, Ko Min-jeong announced her candidacy for party leader and shifted her focus to the Yeongnam region. On the afternoon of July 11, she engaged in a series of meetings with local business owners, workers, and young women party members in Gumi and Chilgok, aiming to expand her outreach.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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