Candidates Kim Min-seok, Jeong Cheong-rae, and Song Young-gil for the Democratic Party's leadership began their primary campaign in the Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam region on August 2. During the first event in Ulsan, Kim and Jeong exchanged sharp criticisms, referencing issues such as 'anti-Myeong' and 'Shincheonji'.
Kim was the first to speak at the joint rally held at the Ulsan Exhibition and Convention Center, emphasizing his connection to President Lee Jae-myung to secure party support. After narrowly finishing first in the previous day's primary in the Chungcheong region, Kim stated, "The party's will, represented by each member, has triumphed over the organization," and promised to create a transparent and communicative Democratic Party, akin to the Lee Jae-myung administration, by broadcasting party affairs live if elected.
He further asserted, "If we fail to criticize when necessary, it leads to anti-Myeong," and stressed that extending the 'Myungcheong War' for another year would lead to the downfall of both the party and the country.
In response, Jeong directly countered Kim's allegations regarding the membership of Shincheonji followers, warning that he would file a complaint with the ethics committee if he became party leader. Jeong demanded Kim provide clear evidence for his claims, stating, "Kim, who has put the party at risk of being unconstitutional by raising the Shincheonji allegations, will face consequences under my leadership."
Jeong also challenged Kim's opposition to merging with the Justice Party, which aligns with the president's views, questioning whether Kim truly supports the president. He criticized Kim for blaming the president for the party's defeat in the last local elections four years ago, stating, "Now, four years later, he is attacking Jeong Cheong-rae. I will be watching Kim's attitude when the president's popularity declines."
Song, seemingly aware of the tensions between Kim and Jeong, opted to focus on specific proposals for the Yeongnam region rather than engaging in negative campaigning. He emphasized his commitment to discussing Ulsan's vision alongside Ulsan Mayor Kim Sang-wook and the Arctic shipping route.
The Democratic Party will continue its joint rallies and primary elections in Busan and Gyeongnam following the event in Ulsan.
Kim was the first to speak at the joint rally held at the Ulsan Exhibition and Convention Center, emphasizing his connection to President Lee Jae-myung to secure party support. After narrowly finishing first in the previous day's primary in the Chungcheong region, Kim stated, "The party's will, represented by each member, has triumphed over the organization," and promised to create a transparent and communicative Democratic Party, akin to the Lee Jae-myung administration, by broadcasting party affairs live if elected.
He further asserted, "If we fail to criticize when necessary, it leads to anti-Myeong," and stressed that extending the 'Myungcheong War' for another year would lead to the downfall of both the party and the country.
In response, Jeong directly countered Kim's allegations regarding the membership of Shincheonji followers, warning that he would file a complaint with the ethics committee if he became party leader. Jeong demanded Kim provide clear evidence for his claims, stating, "Kim, who has put the party at risk of being unconstitutional by raising the Shincheonji allegations, will face consequences under my leadership."
Jeong also challenged Kim's opposition to merging with the Justice Party, which aligns with the president's views, questioning whether Kim truly supports the president. He criticized Kim for blaming the president for the party's defeat in the last local elections four years ago, stating, "Now, four years later, he is attacking Jeong Cheong-rae. I will be watching Kim's attitude when the president's popularity declines."
Song, seemingly aware of the tensions between Kim and Jeong, opted to focus on specific proposals for the Yeongnam region rather than engaging in negative campaigning. He emphasized his commitment to discussing Ulsan's vision alongside Ulsan Mayor Kim Sang-wook and the Arctic shipping route.
The Democratic Party will continue its joint rallies and primary elections in Busan and Gyeongnam following the event in Ulsan.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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