Kim Min-seok narrowly wins first round in Democratic Party leadership race

Kim Min-seok has taken a slim lead in the Democratic Party's leadership race, winning the first round of regional delegate voting in the Chungcheong region. The former Prime Minister secured 45.06% of the vote among party members, narrowly defeating rival Chung Cheong-rae, who garnered 44.61%. Song Young-gil trailed with 10.34%.

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The party and government are not in sync, causing the election to falter and the stock market to shake. If it shakes further, the gateway to the golden age will also shake.

The tight race in Chungcheong, a region where Chung Cheong-rae was expected to perform strongly due to his roots, highlights the competitive nature of the party's internal elections. Kim's campaign had anticipated a potential challenge in this area but ultimately secured a narrow victory.

The overall election outcome will be decided by a combination of 70% party member votes and 30% public opinion polls. Further regional rounds are scheduled across South Korea, including Busan, Ulsan, Gyeongnam, and the capital region, with the final results to be announced on the party's convention day.

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Isn't the worst self-politics betraying Roh Moo-hyun in 2002 and flying to Chung Mong-joon? I will not do that. A person must have some conscience.

During the campaign rallies, candidates engaged in sharp exchanges. Kim Min-seok criticized Chung Cheong-rae, stating that a fractured party leadership would destabilize the government and the stock market. Chung Cheong-rae, in turn, attacked Kim's past defection from the party in 2002, questioning his loyalty. Song Young-gil also targeted rivals, vowing not to forgive those who criticize President Lee Jae-myung and questioning the suitability of a leader who remains silent on criticism of the administration.

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Candidate Chung, you say you won't engage in negativity, but I will not forgive those who criticize and slander President Lee.