The race for the next leader of the Democratic Party has narrowed to three candidates, setting the stage for the party convention scheduled for August 17.
According to political sources on the 26th, candidates Kim Min-seok, Jung Cheong-rae, and Song Young-gil have each presented their visions and appealed for support from party members.
Kim is advocating for continued governance through integration and solidarity, while Jung emphasizes ongoing reform to reclaim power. Song is focusing on specific policies related to youth and housing to expand the party's reach. Each candidate has also expressed their commitment to supporting President Lee Jae-myung's administration and laying the groundwork for a victory in the 2030 presidential election.
"I will discuss integration and present principles... Establishing a committee upon taking office"
From the outset of the leadership race, Kim has sought support by positioning himself as someone who can work closely with President Lee. He has adopted the slogan "A Democratic Party that Wins Again" to emphasize the need for a sustained governance system, aiming to win both the 2028 general election and the 2030 presidential election.He identified the integration and solidarity of progressive groups as a prerequisite for this goal. At an event in Gwangju, Kim stated, "I will clarify the integration issue. I will not create chaos by making vague declarations. I will discuss what the Justice Reform Party wants and what Democratic Party members desire, and I will present principles."
Integration and solidarity are expected to be centered around a comprehensive integration committee that Kim plans to establish immediately upon taking office. He intends to include divisions for solidarity, integration, and expansion within this committee. In addition to the integration committee, he aims to establish five key bodies focused on nomination reform, mega projects, balanced development between local and metropolitan areas, party innovation, and addressing social polarization as part of his foundational plan for the "Kim Min-seok administration."
"Complete abolition of supplementary investigative powers... Strengthening reform in Honam nominations"
Jung, who successfully passed the preliminary election, introduced himself as a steadfast supporter of the Democratic Party's identity and reform over the past 20 years without ever leaving the party. He is running for re-election as party leader with the slogan "Making the Democratic Party True to Itself, a Stronger Reform Leader."Jung believes that the party's identity is rooted in reform, stating that the party has historically succeeded when it embraced reform and failed when it did not. His candidacy declaration on July 13 was filled with references to "reform." He pledged to fully complete the abolition of the prosecution's supplementary investigative powers and to strengthen reform nominations in Honam, asserting that he would not back down from the banner of reform.
Despite concerns that his re-election could pose a challenge for President Lee due to the deep factionalism within the party, Jung strongly refutes these claims. He held meetings with party members in Ulsan and Daegu, asserting, "I am confident that I will be the one to protect President Lee until the end, as I have never betrayed the party."
"Clear legitimacy allows for inclusive freedom... Promising youth-oriented expansion"
Song's campaign strategy is based on expanding the party's reach by appealing to youth and public sentiment. He aims to achieve alignment between the party and the government alongside President Lee. On July 19 in Busan, Song stated, "With clear legitimacy, I am free to expand and be inclusive," claiming he can execute the external expansion that President Lee has called for most accurately.He has particularly emphasized a youth-oriented expansion strategy, adopting the slogan "No 2030, No 2030 Victory," indicating that without support from the younger generation, a victory in the 2030 presidential election is unattainable. He has also promised to appoint two youth members to the highest committee and proposed specific policies to increase housing supply. Additionally, he highlighted his unique experience as the only candidate who has served as a regional governor, asserting that he can lead the party-government alignment.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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