Kim Min-seok elected as party leader; leadership tested after failing to secure majority
The Democratic Party of Korea elected Kim Min-seok as its new leader on August 17. However, Kim failed to secure a majority in the first round of voting, and the election of the Supreme Council members saw the pro-Lee Jae-myung faction lose to the pro-Jung Cheong-rae faction, putting his leadership to the test.
Soh Byung-hoon, chair of the party's central election commission, announced the results at the third regular national party convention held at the Daejeon Convention Center. Kim received 54.08% of the votes through a preferential voting system after failing to achieve a majority in the first round. This system was implemented to determine the winner by combining the second-choice votes of the third-place candidate if no candidate received a majority in the first round.
In the voting, Kim led with 66.69% among national delegates and 55.94% among party members but fell short in a public opinion poll, receiving 49.30% compared to Jung's 50.70%. The election results were based on 70% from national delegates and party members and 30% from public opinion polls.
Despite his election, Kim's failure to secure a majority and the underrepresentation of the pro-Lee faction in the Supreme Council elections mean he must prove his leadership. Kim had previously expressed confidence in achieving a majority, which some analysts suggested favored the pro-Lee faction. However, there were concerns that the preferential voting system could provoke backlash from Jung's supporters. Both candidates have stated they will accept the results.
Soh Byung-hoon, chair of the party's central election commission, announced the results at the third regular national party convention held at the Daejeon Convention Center. Kim received 54.08% of the votes through a preferential voting system after failing to achieve a majority in the first round. This system was implemented to determine the winner by combining the second-choice votes of the third-place candidate if no candidate received a majority in the first round.
In the voting, Kim led with 66.69% among national delegates and 55.94% among party members but fell short in a public opinion poll, receiving 49.30% compared to Jung's 50.70%. The election results were based on 70% from national delegates and party members and 30% from public opinion polls.
Despite his election, Kim's failure to secure a majority and the underrepresentation of the pro-Lee faction in the Supreme Council elections mean he must prove his leadership. Kim had previously expressed confidence in achieving a majority, which some analysts suggested favored the pro-Lee faction. However, there were concerns that the preferential voting system could provoke backlash from Jung's supporters. Both candidates have stated they will accept the results.
Park Sung-jun and Kim Tae-sun appointed as key aides to Kim Min-seok
Following his election as the new leader of the Democratic Party, Kim Min-seok appointed Park Sung-jun as the party's chief spokesperson and Kim Tae-sun as his secretary. Kim's first official schedule was also announced.
After the convention concluded on August 17, Kim held an immediate Supreme Council meeting to appoint his aides. Park explained to reporters that he was asked by Kim to take on the role of chief spokesperson.
During the first Supreme Council meeting, Park announced the appointment of Kim as the secretary, noting that Kim had previously served as the chief aide to presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung.
Park also discussed Kim's first actions following his election, stating, "Kim will immediately travel to Goeje, where heavy rain has caused significant damage. He will assess the situation on-site and work on response measures." He added that Kim plans to visit temporary housing facilities to meet and comfort those affected by the flooding.
On August 18, Kim is scheduled to meet with Kang Hoon-sik, the secretary to the president, and Hong Ik-pyo, the chief of political affairs, at 8 a.m. He will also pay respects at the National Cemetery and the 5·18 Gwangju Democracy Movement Memorial at 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., respectively.
After the convention concluded on August 17, Kim held an immediate Supreme Council meeting to appoint his aides. Park explained to reporters that he was asked by Kim to take on the role of chief spokesperson.
During the first Supreme Council meeting, Park announced the appointment of Kim as the secretary, noting that Kim had previously served as the chief aide to presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung.
Park also discussed Kim's first actions following his election, stating, "Kim will immediately travel to Goeje, where heavy rain has caused significant damage. He will assess the situation on-site and work on response measures." He added that Kim plans to visit temporary housing facilities to meet and comfort those affected by the flooding.
On August 18, Kim is scheduled to meet with Kang Hoon-sik, the secretary to the president, and Hong Ik-pyo, the chief of political affairs, at 8 a.m. He will also pay respects at the National Cemetery and the 5·18 Gwangju Democracy Movement Memorial at 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., respectively.
People Power Party will not consider disciplinary action against Lee Jin-sook over 5·18 controversy
The leadership of the People Power Party has decided not to pursue disciplinary action against lawmaker Lee Jin-sook, who has come under fire for hosting a forum on the 5·18 Gwangju Democracy Movement with right-wing groups. This decision was made on August 17.
Park Sung-hoon, the party's chief spokesperson, responded to inquiries from reporters regarding Lee's referral to the Central Ethics Committee, stating, "Since this was not a party-sanctioned event, I cannot provide specific comments. However, it was an academic event, and Lee has clarified that her statements do not reflect her personal views, so we are not currently considering disciplinary action."
He added, "The People Power Party has repeatedly expressed its position on the 5·18 Democracy Movement. We are aware of the public's concerns and hope this does not lead to excessive political attacks."
Previously, on August 13, Lee co-hosted a public forum titled 'Revisiting the 5·18 Democracy Movement' at the National Assembly Library with a civic group. Her characterization of the movement as a 'disturbance' during the forum sparked strong criticism, particularly from the Democratic Party.
On August 14, the Democratic Party submitted a resolution to the National Assembly calling for Lee's expulsion, and some members of the People Power Party also expressed that her comments were inappropriate. Additionally, some party members have filed complaints against Lee with the party's ethics committee, condemning her for sitting alongside Heo Hwa-pyeong, the chairman of the Future Korea Foundation and a former aide to Chun Doo-hwan.
Park Sung-hoon, the party's chief spokesperson, responded to inquiries from reporters regarding Lee's referral to the Central Ethics Committee, stating, "Since this was not a party-sanctioned event, I cannot provide specific comments. However, it was an academic event, and Lee has clarified that her statements do not reflect her personal views, so we are not currently considering disciplinary action."
He added, "The People Power Party has repeatedly expressed its position on the 5·18 Democracy Movement. We are aware of the public's concerns and hope this does not lead to excessive political attacks."
Previously, on August 13, Lee co-hosted a public forum titled 'Revisiting the 5·18 Democracy Movement' at the National Assembly Library with a civic group. Her characterization of the movement as a 'disturbance' during the forum sparked strong criticism, particularly from the Democratic Party.
On August 14, the Democratic Party submitted a resolution to the National Assembly calling for Lee's expulsion, and some members of the People Power Party also expressed that her comments were inappropriate. Additionally, some party members have filed complaints against Lee with the party's ethics committee, condemning her for sitting alongside Heo Hwa-pyeong, the chairman of the Future Korea Foundation and a former aide to Chun Doo-hwan.
President Lee expresses condolences to families affected by heavy rains in southern regions
President Lee Jae-myung expressed his condolences on August 17 for the loss of life caused by heavy rains in Goeje and other southern regions. He also urged relevant agencies to take proactive measures to prevent further damage.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), President Lee stated, "I am concerned about the damage caused by the heavy rains in Goeje and other southern areas. I extend my deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives due to the sudden downpour."
He wished for a swift recovery for the injured and emphasized that preventing additional damage is of utmost importance.
President Lee instructed relevant agencies and local governments to promptly implement necessary measures on-site and focus all efforts on minimizing damage.
He specifically noted that even after the rain stops, weakened ground and rising river levels could lead to further damage. He urged authorities to closely monitor weather conditions and respond proactively to risks such as landslides and flooding.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), President Lee stated, "I am concerned about the damage caused by the heavy rains in Goeje and other southern areas. I extend my deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives due to the sudden downpour."
He wished for a swift recovery for the injured and emphasized that preventing additional damage is of utmost importance.
President Lee instructed relevant agencies and local governments to promptly implement necessary measures on-site and focus all efforts on minimizing damage.
He specifically noted that even after the rain stops, weakened ground and rising river levels could lead to further damage. He urged authorities to closely monitor weather conditions and respond proactively to risks such as landslides and flooding.
Goeje Island faces severe flooding and landslides; emergency response activated
Goeje Island has experienced record rainfall, with nearly 900 mm falling over three days during the Liberation Day holiday, leading to flooding and landslides. The fire department has issued multiple emergency mobilization orders to respond to the situation.
According to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters, the cumulative rainfall in Goeje from midnight on August 15 to 5 p.m. on August 17 reached 910.0 mm. The area recorded a maximum hourly rainfall of 124.5 mm, resulting in significant damage.
The heavy rains caused a landslide near an apartment complex in Okpo-dong, resulting in one death and four injuries. Reports of flooded homes, roads, and fallen trees have exceeded 2,300, with approximately 380 residents from 240 households evacuated to temporary shelters.
In response to the ongoing damage, the fire department has mobilized resources nationwide for rapid on-site assistance. The fire department activated a situation response team at 2:40 a.m. on August 17 and issued the first and second national fire mobilization orders at 6:23 a.m. and 6:35 a.m., respectively. This mobilization included the deployment of 10 rugged pump trucks and 24 personnel to the affected areas in Goeje and Tongyeong.
Support was provided from various regions, including one truck from Busan (3 personnel), two trucks from Daegu (5 personnel), six trucks from North Gyeongsang Province (14 personnel), and one truck from Changwon (2 personnel). The national fire mobilization order is issued when local fire resources are insufficient to respond to a disaster, requiring national-level assistance. As a result, the fire department has conducted 20 rescue operations, successfully rescuing 136 individuals from isolation.
* This article has been translated by AI.
According to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters, the cumulative rainfall in Goeje from midnight on August 15 to 5 p.m. on August 17 reached 910.0 mm. The area recorded a maximum hourly rainfall of 124.5 mm, resulting in significant damage.
The heavy rains caused a landslide near an apartment complex in Okpo-dong, resulting in one death and four injuries. Reports of flooded homes, roads, and fallen trees have exceeded 2,300, with approximately 380 residents from 240 households evacuated to temporary shelters.
In response to the ongoing damage, the fire department has mobilized resources nationwide for rapid on-site assistance. The fire department activated a situation response team at 2:40 a.m. on August 17 and issued the first and second national fire mobilization orders at 6:23 a.m. and 6:35 a.m., respectively. This mobilization included the deployment of 10 rugged pump trucks and 24 personnel to the affected areas in Goeje and Tongyeong.
Support was provided from various regions, including one truck from Busan (3 personnel), two trucks from Daegu (5 personnel), six trucks from North Gyeongsang Province (14 personnel), and one truck from Changwon (2 personnel). The national fire mobilization order is issued when local fire resources are insufficient to respond to a disaster, requiring national-level assistance. As a result, the fire department has conducted 20 rescue operations, successfully rescuing 136 individuals from isolation.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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