Former PM Kim Min-seok Poised for Party Leadership Bid

Former Prime Minister Kim Min-seok will return to his party following the conclusion of his term, with expectations that he will formally launch his bid for party leadership at the upcoming August convention. Kim, who held the position of Prime Minister, will complete his duties with a farewell ceremony on July 1st. Following the ceremony, he is expected to visit the National Assembly to meet with party officials and will attend a meeting with the Democratic Party's senior advisors in the evening.

Kim is widely considered a strong candidate for the party leadership, competing with former party leader Jeong Cheong-rae. Recent public appearances and statements on party matters suggest Kim is actively preparing for a leadership challenge. An official announcement of his candidacy is anticipated next week. Several lawmakers, including Yeom Tae-young, Lee Yong-woo, and Yoon Jong-gun, are reportedly preparing to support Kim's campaign, with Yeom expected to oversee campaign operations and Lee managing messaging.

Kim's team is reportedly scouting for an office space near the National Assembly to manage the August convention preparations and is also planning to establish a press relations team. However, concerns have been raised within the party that a large number of lawmakers joining Kim's campaign could alienate some party members. It remains uncertain whether an extensive "mammoth camp" will be formed ahead of the convention.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Party's convention preparation committee held its first meeting, outlining a tentative schedule for the party convention. The schedule includes a series of regional rallies starting August 1st in Chungnam and Chungbuk, followed by other regions throughout the month. Some party members have voiced objections to the first regional rally being held in Chungcheong, arguing it could be unfair as it is Jeong Cheong-rae's home region. Reports indicate that some individuals associated with Kim's camp have already lodged protests with the convention preparation committee regarding this matter.

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The convention preparation committee held its first meeting, outlining a tentative schedule for the party convention.