Song Young-gil Announces Bid for Democratic Party Leadership, Appeals as 'General Election Sure-Win Card'

Song Young-gil, a lawmaker of the Democratic Party, officially declared his candidacy for the party's leadership election set for August 17th. In a press conference held at the party's headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, Song presented himself as the key to the party's victory in the upcoming general elections.

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This convention is not about choosing who is more clear-cut, but about selecting who can lead the Democratic Party to victory by earning the public's trust and who can collaborate with the Lee Jae-myung administration to build an irreplaceable Republic of Korea.

"This convention is not about choosing who is more clear-cut, but about selecting who can lead the Democratic Party to victory by earning the public's trust and who can collaborate with the Lee Jae-myung administration to build an irreplaceable Republic of Korea," Song stated, formally announcing his bid.

Song emphasized the urgency of the situation, referencing the recent local elections where the Democratic Party received a "yellow card" from the public. He warned that failure to heed this warning could result in a "red card" – a loss in the general election. "If we lose the general election, there will be no re-election of the administration. Without re-election, the success of the Lee Jae-myung government cannot be guaranteed," he asserted.

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The public gave the Democratic Party a yellow card in this local election. If we take it lightly, the next general election will be a red card.

He further stressed the need for the ruling party to demonstrate responsibility and capability, transforming into a "true ruling party" that delivers tangible results for the public. Song outlined his commitment to supporting President Lee Jae-myung's initiatives, particularly the "3 mega projects" aimed at decentralizing development beyond the Seoul metropolitan area. These projects involve significant investment in regions like Honam, Chungcheong, and Yeongnam, focusing on sectors such as semiconductors, AI data centers, and robotics.

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If we lose the general election, there will be no re-election of the administration. Without re-election, the success of the Lee Jae-myung government cannot be guaranteed.

Song recalled his own dedication to the party, including his efforts during the presidential election where he sustained injuries but continued campaigning. He also mentioned stepping down as party leader and running for mayor of Seoul in a race the party was expected to lose, in order to secure a base for Lee Jae-myung. "I have walked with the Democratic Party for nearly 30 years. The history of the Democratic Party is my life," Song declared, appealing for support based on his long-standing commitment and sacrifices.

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Now, we must show the responsibility and capability befitting a ruling party. We must be reborn as a true ruling party that proves itself through results that the public can feel.