The leadership contest within the Democratic Party of Korea has escalated into a “battle for dominance,” as opponents closely examine each other’s previous conduct. Former Prime Minister Kim Min-seok criticized former Representative Jung Chung-rae for “pursuing personal interests over the last year,” while Jung countered by highlighting Kim’s earlier comments about harboring a “long-standing romantic desire to become party leader” during his time as prime minister as an example of self-serving behavior. In response to criticism from pro-Cheong Wa Dae groups regarding his actions during martial law, Kim stated, “It’s like the Daejang-dong scandal all over again. Apologize.”
On the 7th, Jung posted on Facebook, “I do not agree with the assertions that I caused conflict with Cheong Wa Dae through self-centered politics,” and stated, “The prime minister’s inappropriate ‘long-standing romantic desire’ comments, made without considering the context (time, place, and situation), exemplify self-serving politics that led to unnecessary debate.”
On the same day, Kim addressed reporters, asking, “Which of these represents self-serving politics: the merger initiative led by former Representative Jung, flaws in prosecutorial reform, election candidate selections, absence of internal party discussions, weak cooperation between the party and government, or my brief reference to the ‘long-standing romantic desire’ comment?” He added, “It’s time for party members to make their judgment.”
The election for the Supreme Council has also become a conflict between different factions. Pro-Myung Lee Geon-tae, who announced his candidacy on the same day, criticized Jung, saying, “As a member of the Supreme Council, I will eliminate this long-standing conflict and ensure there is absolutely no room for error— not even a millimeter—between the party, government, and Cheong Wa Dae.” Pro-Cheong Wa Dae Lee Seong-yun, who is also running for the Supreme Council, repeated his earlier question to Kim: “What party members and citizens want to know is straightforward: Why did you not take part in the vote to repeal martial law?”
Rep. Han Min-soo, who previously served as chief of staff to Jung and is exploring a run for the Supreme Council, referenced a friend’s comment: “Many people are uneasy with former Prime Minister Kim’s portrayal of his involvement in the Roh Moo-hyun–Chung Mong-joon unification as ‘throwing himself into it’ during his campaign announcement.”
Amidst this, Rep. Song Young-gil and pro-Moon administration Rep. Ko Min-jung are scheduled to announce their bids for the August 17 party convention on the 8th, escalating the party leadership race into a four-candidate competition.
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