JEJU ISLAND - Former leader of the main opposition Democratic Party (DP), Rep. Lee Jae-myung, achieved a decisive victory in the first round of party leadership primaries held on Jeju Island and in Incheon, setting a strong foundation for his campaign to secure a second term as party leader.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee garnered a commanding 90.7 percent of the votes in the combined primaries of Jeju Island and Incheon, significantly ahead of his closest rivals, former Interior Minister Kim Doo-gwan, who received 8 percent, and another candidate, Kim Ji-soo, with 1.3 percent. This primary marks the first in a series of 15 races across the country leading up to the Democratic Party's national convention scheduled for August 18, where the final party leader will be elected.
The election process includes not only these primary results but also will take into account surveys of the general public and online polls among party representatives. Lee's strong showing positions him as a favorite for re-election and highlights his prominence within the party as a potential candidate for the next presidential election in 2027. Despite being embroiled in several scandals, including a significant land development controversy, Lee's political influence remains substantial. Additionally, Lee's resilience was tested earlier this year when he was attacked in Busan, an incident that shocked the nation.