Seoul: Former ruling Democratic Party (DP) leader Jung Chung-rae declared his bid for reelection on Monday, turning the leadership election into a five-way race. Jung, who stepped down as leader last month in order to run for reelection, will compete against former Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, Reps. Song Young-gil and Ko Min-jung, and former Gangjin councilmember Kim Bo-mi in the Aug. 17 national convention.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Jung announced his candidacy at a press conference held at the National Assembly, where he expressed his commitment to supporting President Lee Jae Myung. "As I have done until now, I will stand by President Lee Jae Myung's side until the end by creating one team and one voice between the party, government, and Cheong Wa Dae," Jung stated. He emphasized his dedication to the Lee Jae Myung administration's stable governance and the ruling party's goal of securing another term in office.
The upcoming election for the DP leader is significant as the winner will have the authority to oversee the nomination of candidates for the April 2028 parliamentary elections. Jung, identified as a hard-liner, has faced criticism from some pro-Lee party members who accuse him of prioritizing his own supporters over the president's agenda. Additionally, there are suspicions that Jung aims to strengthen his position within the party to eventually run for president.
Jung, however, refuted these allegations, stating, "I will not run for president using the office of party leader." His declaration aims to quell concerns and reinforce his focus on party unity and support for the current administration.