Three candidates for the leadership of the Democratic Party are implementing differentiation strategies ahead of the first results of the primary, set to be announced on August 1. Kim Min-seok is focusing on 'policy,' Jeong Cheong-rae on 'reform,' and Song Young-gil on 'legitimacy.'
On July 31, Kim will hold a policy concert titled 'Asking Youth for Directions' at Kyungpook National University in Daegu and Gyeongbuk. This event is seen as an effort to recover the party's youth support and showcase its policy vision.
Kim, recognized as a policy expert within the party, has held key positions such as chair of the policy committee and head of the election campaign's comprehensive situation room. During a televised debate on July 29, he criticized Jeong, stating, 'It seems that you have not been able to lead a very important election to victory while not holding any major party positions.' He also claims to be the only candidate with experience leading the party to victories in the general, local, and presidential elections.
Jeong is solidifying his image as a reformer. At a discussion held in the National Assembly on the topic of strengthening victims' rights after the abolition of prosecutorial investigation rights, he stated, 'We could not delay the attempt at prosecutorial reform, which symbolizes and represents the Democratic Party.' He emphasized, 'Prosecutorial reform is not 100% complete today. We will strongly pursue improvements in areas that are lacking to meet the public's expectations.' The party plans to process a revision of the Criminal Procedure Act aimed at abolishing the prosecution's supplementary investigation rights later that afternoon, which is seen as an effort to highlight his role in leading prosecutorial reform and garner support.
Song visited 'The Path of Roh Moo-hyun' in Gwangju, Jeollanam-do, earlier in the day, expressing, 'I miss the late President Roh Moo-hyun even more.' He had visited the birthplace of the late President Kim Dae-jung the day before and received a support declaration from the Roh Moo-hyun Spirit Foundation on July 29, indicating a strengthening of his legitimacy narrative.
Additionally, at a town hall meeting in Busan on July 19, Song stated, 'I have walked the most accurate path from Presidents Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun to former President Moon Jae-in and President Lee Jae-myung. As someone with clear legitimacy, I am free to expand and embrace.' He claimed he could most accurately achieve the expansion that President Lee mentioned.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Party's convention will begin on August 1 in the Chungcheong region, where the results of the primary will be announced. Following the primary, the party plans to hold its convention in Daejeon on August 17 to elect a new leader.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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