The Democratic Party is facing controversy over a 'birthday voting guide' ahead of its party convention scheduled for August 17, with preliminary elections starting on July 21. Reactions are divided between claims of undermining party member sovereignty and views of it as a strategic choice for members.
Hwang Myung-sun, a Supreme Council member aligned with the pro-Lee Jae-myung faction, stated during a Supreme Council meeting on July 20, "We must stop blatant factional politics."
He added, "Some candidates are reportedly encouraging their supporters to vote for candidates based on their birth month, packaged together. In past conventions, candidates have never openly divided party members to solicit votes. This approach, prioritizing personal interests and demanding blind loyalty to specific individuals, cannot escape criticism as factional politics."
Hwang emphasized, "Each member's vote is a precious right that should be based on their judgment of a candidate's vision and qualifications. The idea of distributing votes based on birth dates reflects arrogance, treating members not as sovereigns but as mere numbers of votes."
Previously, Democratic Party member Chae Hyun-il, also considered part of the pro-Lee faction, revealed on Facebook that promotional materials have been circulated ahead of the Supreme Council preliminary elections, bundling a specific party leader candidate with three Supreme Council candidates and designating candidates based on members' birth months. This was interpreted as a jab at the pro-Jung Cheong-rae faction.
In response, former leader Jung Cheong-rae appeared on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' on the same day, stating, "This has always been the case," and added, "I believe the other side is aware of this as well. Members are strategizing on their own. Everyone has done this, and it is common practice."
Meanwhile, five candidates are running for party leader and 14 for the Supreme Council in the Democratic Party's convention. The preliminary elections will narrow the field to three candidates for party leader and eight for the Supreme Council, making factional strategies a key variable in the upcoming contest.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.