Song Young-gil: Coalition inevitable in party leadership runoff

Democratic Party lawmaker Song Young-gil has indicated that a coalition is unavoidable in the second round of the party's leadership election, especially if he and Kim Min-seok secure the top two spots. Speaking on a radio program, Song emphasized that the party's rules include a runoff system, making collaboration between candidates who advance to that stage a natural progression. He also addressed comments from author Yoo Si-min regarding the party's 'reconstruction theory' and the departure of younger voters. Song suggested that Yoo, as a commentator, should be taken as a reference point rather than a definitive voice, as politicians are accountable for results, not just opinions. He attributed the decline in presidential approval ratings to internal party conflicts and the alienation of voters in their 20s and 30s, arguing for an expansion of the party's appeal. Furthermore, Song criticized fellow candidate Jeong Cheong-rae's focus on the party's "legitimacy," questioning Jeong's own historical stance against former President Roh Moo-hyun and his approach to issues like the prosecution's supplementary investigation rights, which Song described as resembling an opposition party's attack on the government.

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If one of us, Song Young-gil or Kim Min-seok, takes first or second place, then a coalition will be formed.