In the ongoing Democratic Party convention that began on August 1, candidates Kim Min-seok and Jeong Cheong-rae have each secured leads in the Chungcheong and Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam regions, respectively. The competition has intensified as both candidates seek to consolidate their factions ahead of the remaining rounds of the convention, with narrow margins separating them in both regions.
According to the Democratic Party, the factional conflicts surrounding the leading candidates, Jeong and Kim, have escalated as of August 3.
Jeong took to Facebook to express his dissatisfaction with some Democratic lawmakers who have been using Kim's campaign slogan, "100% voting by all party members," sharing related photos. After a party talk concert in Gangneung earlier that day, he told reporters, "The official slogan for this convention is 'Irreplaceable Republic of Korea,' but an unfair election is ongoing with Kim's campaign slogan displayed on banners. Party members will not forgive this," he warned.
Kim, in turn, appealed for support, stating that the government has been unstable due to factional conflicts during Jeong's leadership over the past year. At a rally held at Jeonju University in North Jeolla Province, he claimed that the conflicts arising from the factional strife have persisted during the crucial first year of President Lee Jae-myung's administration, asserting, "If this conflict continues for four years, the government's operations will be shaken."
The conflict within the Democratic Party is deepening, not just between the candidates but also among lawmakers. Choi Min-hee and Lee Sung-yoon, both representing the pro-Jeong faction and running for the Supreme Council, have raised concerns about Kim's "anti-Jeong controversy."
Choi stated on KBS Radio's "Current Affairs" program, "I believe Kim is engaging in factional politics that do not exist within the party. The consequences of his anti-Jeong stance will ultimately return to him." Lee also emphasized, "There is no anti-Jeong sentiment in the Democratic Party; we all wish for the president's success as pro-Blue House members."
In response, Hwang Myeong-seon and Kang Deuk-gu, both from the pro-Kim faction, refuted Jeong's claims made during a joint speech last weekend, where he suggested that there are leaders opposing the one-person, one-vote system and the merger with the Justice Party.
Hwang stated after a Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly, "Jeong did not adequately deliberate on these issues," demanding a correction from him. Kang added, "If Jeong does not take responsibility, I will disclose all the details of the process," asserting that Jeong lacks the qualifications to be the party leader.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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