Chung Jung-rae Wins Key Regional Vote in Tight Race for Democratic Party Leadership

Chung Jung-rae emerged victorious in the Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam (Bu-Ul-Gyeong) regional vote for the Democratic Party's leadership election on August 2, narrowly defeating rival Kim Min-seok. This win serves as a crucial comeback after Chung suffered a surprising defeat to Kim in the Chungcheong region, his home territory, just a day prior.

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Is there really no Lee-Chung war? The President is losing sleep because of this party-government relationship. Shouldn't we believe what Song Young-gil, who will meet the president directly, says? Why are you persecuting the president and claiming you will make him successful?

The results from the Bu-Ul-Gyeong region showed Chung securing 46.64% of the vote among party members, with Kim receiving 43.84% and Song Young-gil trailing at 9.52%. While Kim Min-seok won the Ulsan vote, Chung Jung-rae took the lead in Busan and Gyeongnam. When the results from Chungcheong and Bu-Ul-Gyeong are combined, with a 5% bonus for Gyeongnam, Chung maintains a slim overall lead of 45.52% to Kim's 44.51%.

The competition for the top leadership positions has been intense, with candidates engaging in sharp exchanges during joint rallies. Song Young-gil criticized the perceived "Lee-Chung" (referring to party leader Lee Jae-myung and Chung Jung-rae) dynamic, questioning its impact on President Lee's governance. Chung Jung-rae, in turn, defended his position, emphasizing his loyalty to President Lee and dismissing claims of discord within the party and government.

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Many people are attacking me today, but I believe the party members will protect and defend me, so it's okay. I believe that in this Gyeongnam, where the spirit of former President Roh Moo-hyun resides, Kim Min-seok spoke in Busan about former President Roh Moo-hyun. I want to say once again that there has been no discord with the party-government-presidency. The person who will protect us until the end with President Lee Jae-myung is me, Chung Jung-rae.

Kim Min-seok focused his campaign on strengthening ties with former South Gyeongsang Province Governor Kim Kyeong-soo, highlighting his importance for future electoral success in the region. The Democratic Party's leadership election is determined by a combination of 70% party member votes and 30% public opinion polls. The remaining regional rounds of voting are scheduled through August 16.

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I believe that reviving Kim Kyeong-soo is the most important thing. This is a matter of reality. If we are to fight the general election, the presidential election, and the local elections in Gyeongnam next time, we need a figure who symbolizes Gyeongnam.