[Exclusive] Democratic Party's Kim Jong-min: "Majority Support 'Primary Postponement' Within Party" Other Senior Member Says "Makes Sense"

Governor Lee Jae-myung said, "Following the principles is the quietest, most harmonious, and reasonable way"
Assemblyman Jeon Jae-su said, "If a presidential election planning team is established, we will communicate accordingly"

Yoon Ho-jung, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the policy coordination meeting held at the National Assembly on the 13th and delivering an opening remark. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] It has been reported that a majority within the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) holds the opinion that the presidential primary election should be postponed. Although public calls for postponement remain a minority, many lawmakers privately see it as necessary. Discussions may become more visible once the DPK’s presidential election preparation team is formed soon.

Several DPK lawmakers conveyed this internal party atmosphere to Asia Economy in phone interviews on the 13th. Kim Jong-min, a pro-Moon Jae-in ("Chinmun") figure who served as the Blue House spokesperson during the Roh Moo-hyun administration and as the DPK’s senior supreme council member, said, “Regarding the postponement of the primary, the party leadership should gather opinions from lawmakers. After the by-elections, a majority of lawmakers think that proceeding as scheduled is not appropriate. The situation has changed compared to before the election.”

On the reason for the shift in public opinion, he explained, “There is COVID-19, and the schedule does not align with that of the other side (People Power Party), so whoever becomes the candidate will be at a disadvantage. Regardless of who is advantaged or disadvantaged, the party should discuss the most desirable direction.” This reflects the internal party sentiment Kim perceives, though he did not comment on his personal stance.

Another senior DPK lawmaker also said in a phone interview, “There is merit to the argument for postponing the primary,” adding, “Given that people are suffering and fatigued due to COVID-19, it does not seem appropriate to hold political schedules now.” He continued, “It is also necessary to align the schedule with the opposition party, and I understand that many lawmakers share similar views.”

The argument to adjust the existing schedule?which requires selecting a presidential candidate by September?to align with the People Power Party’s candidate selection in November is based on the judgment that it would be disadvantageous if the DPK candidate is chosen too early. However, opposition to this is considerable, as the advantages and disadvantages could vary depending on whether a candidate is currently enjoying high approval ratings or not.

The postponement debate first surfaced in February but subsided after denial by the party leadership. However, on the 6th, Jeon Jae-soo, a DPK lawmaker from Busan known as a “Chinmun,” raised the issue again on Facebook. He proposed postponing the primary until “herd immunity is within sight,” while observing the “situation of competing candidates.” Kim Du-gwan, who is preparing to declare his presidential candidacy, also requested the leadership to postpone the primary. Former Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun expressed the day before that “it would be better for the leadership to deliberate, verify, and discuss before making a decision.”

For latecomers like former Prime Minister Chung, who have relatively low approval ratings, more time could be advantageous. However, Lee Jae-myung, Governor of Gyeonggi Province and currently maintaining first place in various polls within the ruling party, appears unwilling to accept postponement. Lee stated the day before, “If we follow the principles, wouldn’t that be the quietest, most harmonious, and most reasonable approach?” Those advocating for postponement argue that the party constitution allows the party affairs committee to set a different schedule for selecting the presidential candidate “when there is a substantial reason,” so postponement would not violate the “principle.”

On the 11th, Jeon appeared on CBS Radio’s “Kim Hyun-jung’s News Show” and said, “Once the presidential planning team is established within the party soon, I believe we will communicate actively with many party members and gather wisdom through lively discussions.”