Park Chan-dae Announces Candidacy for Democratic Party Leadership

On June 23, Park Chan-dae (3rd term, Incheon Yeonsu Gap), a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, declared his candidacy for the party leadership at a press conference held at the party's headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul. He stated, "I will focus all of the Democratic Party's capabilities on the success of the Lee Jae-myung administration and strengthen the relationship between the party, government, and the presidential office to a one-team level." Park is expected to face off against Jeong Cheong-rae (4th term, Seoul Mapo-eul) for the position of the first ruling party leader under the Lee Jae-myung government.

As a prominent member of the pro-Lee faction, Park emphasized the need for close and organic cooperation across all areas, from blocking political offensives to legislation and policy implementation, promising to achieve tangible results. He also expressed his commitment to supporting a special investigation to completely end the internal strife and to prevent collusion disguised as unity, stating, "We must urgently isolate the Yoon Seok-yeol and Kim Geon-hee couple from our community."

Regarding relations with opposition parties, Park said, "We will respect them but will not engage in transactions. We will keep the door open for reflection and change from parties that have made mistakes, but we will respond firmly if they repeat old habits." He pledged to achieve legislative results in the three major reforms of the prosecution, judiciary, and media by the end of this year and to secure a decisive victory in the local elections next year. During his announcement, Park wore the same type of sneakers that President Lee Jae-myung wore during the presidential campaign, emotionally declaring, "Now I will stand by Lee Jae-myung's side."

Jeong Cheong-rae, who announced his candidacy on June 15, expressed on Facebook that he hopes for a beautiful competition in the party that leads to victory for the people and party members.

The next Democratic Party leader will be decided at the party convention on August 2. The election will utilize a voting system comprising 55% from party members, 30% from public opinion polls, and 15% from delegate votes. The new leader will serve until next August, coinciding with the remaining term of President Lee Jae-myung, and will hold the power to nominate candidates for the local elections next year.