[Asia Economy Reporters Kang Nahum and Jeon Jinyoung] A three-way race is highly anticipated for the next leadership of the Democratic Party of Korea. Four-term lawmakers Hong Youngpyo and Woo Wonshik have shown strong determination to run for party leadership, and it is also reported that the leading candidate, Lee Nakyeon, Chair of the COVID-19 National Crisis Management Committee, has decided to run.
A source close to Chair Lee stated in a phone interview with a media outlet on the 27th that he has firmly decided to run in the August party convention and is currently coordinating the timing of his candidacy.
The source said, "Chair Lee has firmly decided to run in the August party convention," adding, "However, the official announcement of his candidacy will likely be made early next week."
Previously, Chair Lee has shown an active campaign by meeting consecutively with first-term elected members and other party leadership candidates. In this regard, some within the party interpret that the fact that Chair Lee is meeting directly with leadership candidates itself shows his strong will to run.
Thus, the leadership contest appears to be solidifying into a three-way race. Lawmaker Woo also told reporters on the same day, "I met with Chair Lee and told him that I intend to run for party leadership." He added, "There have been no changes in the situation, and I am continuing to prepare as I have been."
It is also reported that Lawmaker Hong strongly expressed his intention to run for party leadership during a meeting with Chair Lee on the 21st. In fact, a Democratic Party lawmaker said, "I understand that Lawmaker Hong has a strong will to run. Chair Lee's decision to run will not be a variable in Lawmaker Hong's decision to run," adding, "If Chair Lee runs, I think Lawmaker Hong will be a competitor."
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