Kim Min-seok and Jung Cheong-rae, candidates for the leadership of the Democratic Party, engaged in a war of words on August 9, asserting, "I won't lose support due to misstatements" and "Acting like a party leader already by interfering in appointments."
The Democratic Party held a joint speech event at the Hyengseong National Sports Center in Gangwon Province. The two candidates, who have been in a heated rivalry since announcing their candidacies, continued their exchanges during the event.
Kim pressured Jung by referencing the potential by-elections in Gangneung and the Seoul mayoral race next year. He stated, "Winning the Seoul mayoral election will symbolize victory in the metropolitan area in the general elections two years from now, while a win in Gangneung will represent success in the challenging Yeongnam region." He added, "There will be no loss of regions due to misstatements, nor will we lose ground because the central party has not made a decision. I will seek the best results in Seoul and Gangneung and ask for re-endorsement from party members."
Continuing his message of unity, Kim said, "I will wash away all the grudges from the election process and discussions about merging with the Justice Party will begin with mutual benefit."
In response, Jung criticized the party's unity at the convention, claiming that Kim's allegations regarding factionalism and the Shincheonji cult were exacerbating divisions. He remarked, "To win in the general and presidential elections, those who supported Kim Dae-jung, Roh Moo-hyun, Moon Jae-in, and Lee Jae-myung must unite, but the atmosphere at the convention is not conducive to that." He emphasized the need for swift integration with the Justice Party to prepare for the presidential election, stating, "The party is divided due to accusations of factionalism and the Shincheonji allegations."
Jung then directed his remarks at Kim, questioning, "While we don't know who will win by the end of the convention, can someone who is already acting like a party leader appoint others to party positions?"
Meanwhile, Song Young-gil, another candidate, reiterated his blame on Jung for the party's losses in key areas during the June 3 local elections. He stated, "Although President Lee Jae-myung supported Jung Won-o, the party failed to capitalize on it, resulting in losses in Seoul." He stressed, "The most important issue is not the margin of victory but the fact that support has reversed for a political faction that should be eradicated."
Additionally, Song appealed to Jung, saying, "While I acknowledge the efforts made for judicial reform, I urge you to unite with me to impeach Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae and complete judicial reform."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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