South Korean Democrats Launch Leadership Campaigns with Historical Tributes and Eligibility Debates

The race for the leadership of South Korea's Democratic Party is heating up as major candidates Kim Min-seok, Song Young-gil, and Chung Cheong-rae kicked off their first weekend of campaigning following official candidate registration. Each contender is employing distinct strategies to appeal to the party base and secure the top position.

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I will create a ruling party befitting a ruling party.

Kim Min-seok, a former Prime Minister, made symbolic visits to the graves of former presidents Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun. Accompanied by Kim Jong-dae, grandson of Kim Dae-jung, and former aide to Roh Moo-hyun, Kim Kyeong-soo, Kim Min-seok framed his return to politics as a continuation of their legacies. He stated his intention to "create a ruling party befitting a ruling party" in the spirit of Kim Dae-jung and acknowledged Roh Moo-hyun's role in enabling his political comeback after an 18-year hiatus, which he attributed to a past misjudgment in supporting a rival candidate.

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I have come this far through the door of political return that President Roh embraced with great magnanimity.

Song Young-gil's candidacy experienced a turbulent start. He faced a challenge to his eligibility based on party rules requiring six months of membership before running for leadership. This led to an unexpected press conference and a "rollercoaster" day before the party's disciplinary committee ultimately granted him an exceptional exemption to run. Song's weekend schedule included attending a regional party convention in Incheon and a planned "chicken and beer" gathering with young people in Gunsan.

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At the time, my misjudgment and shortcomings led to 18 years in the wilderness.

Chung Cheong-rae, meanwhile, continued his focused campaign in the Honam region, where his support is perceived as weaker compared to his rivals. He attended regional party conventions in Gwangju, emphasizing the importance of "one person, one vote" and urging party members to unite behind the legacies of former presidents Kim Dae-jung, Roh Moo-hyun, Moon Jae-in, and Lee Jae-myung to secure victory in future elections.

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Wherever I go, people thank me for 'one person, one vote.' That's when I thought, 'This is truly significant.'