The Democratic Party achieved a majority victory in the June 3 local elections and the National Assembly by-elections, emphasizing the need for a judgment on insurrection. However, the party lost control of the capital, Seoul, and suffered defeats in four by-elections, leading to assessments of a 'half-hearted victory.' This has intensified factional conflicts over the upcoming party leadership.
According to political sources on July 7, some within the party are criticizing the leadership of Jung Cheong-rae, while others point to the influence of the special prosecution law pushed by pro-Lee Jae-myung factions and the president's strong real estate regulation policies.
Kim Yong, a former deputy head of the Democratic Research Institute and a close aide to President Lee, expressed his dismay on Facebook on July 6, stating, "I was left speechless watching the local election results unfold. Jung's perception that this election was a nationwide victory for the Democratic Party, despite the loss in Seoul, is complacent and disconnected from public sentiment." He added, "Now is not the time to celebrate a victory with an overall score of 12 to 4. The heavy responsibility for strategic failures must be shouldered by the party leadership, including the party leader himself."
On the same day, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok addressed the KBC '2026 New Honam Forum' in Gwangju, stating, "Some view the election results as a victory, while others see them as insufficient. We must firmly grasp two paths to turn the tension following the election into an opportunity for innovation."
However, some lawmakers believe it is difficult to place the blame for the loss in Seoul solely on Jung. They argue that the public's anger over real estate issues and the backlash from the special prosecution law granting indictment cancellation authority cannot be overlooked.
During the election period, President Lee demonstrated a strong commitment to real estate regulation and pushed for a special investigation into the alleged manipulation of the election process by pro-Lee factions. In response, the People Power Party formed a coalition called the 'National Coalition to Prevent Indictment Cancellation,' aiming to consolidate conservative support.
Additionally, there are criticisms that the government and ruling party politicized the controversy surrounding the May 18 Tank Day. People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk countered during the campaign by promoting the slogan 'Freedom of a Cup of Coffee.'
In response, party spokesperson Kang Jun-hyun held a press conference, stating, "There may be differing opinions, and we will form an evaluation committee that includes internal and external experts to conduct a thorough analysis."
Meanwhile, some interpret the intensifying competition among factions in the Democratic Party ahead of the August party convention. Jung is aiming for re-election, while there are predictions that Prime Minister Kim may resign to pursue the party leadership. Former party leader Song Young-gil, who re-entered the National Assembly through the recent by-elections, is also being mentioned as a potential candidate for party leader.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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