Jung Cheong-rae, the leader of the Democratic Party, resigned from his position on the 24th. His resignation is interpreted as a move to express his intention to seek re-election ahead of the party convention scheduled for August 17.
During a Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly, Jung stated, "I will do my best for the success of the Lee Jae-myung government."
He added, "The person who will protect President Lee until the end is Jung Cheong-rae," emphasizing that he and President Lee are a "political community and one body." He particularly highlighted his role in leading the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol during the emergency martial law on December 3 while Lee was serving as party leader.
Jung also remarked, "Even if the path is thorny and difficult, I will walk my path, believing only in public sentiment and party sentiment," which is interpreted as a hint at his intention to run for re-election. However, party spokesperson Kang Jun-hyun expressed caution when speaking to reporters after the Supreme Council meeting, stating, "He will directly express his position on running for office."
Additionally, Jung reflected on his tenure as party leader, saying, "I raised the banner of a strong reformist party leader, and although I faced resistance both inside and outside the party, I worked diligently."
Meanwhile, it is anticipated that the upcoming convention will see challenges for party leadership from figures including Jung, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, and former leader Song Young-gil.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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