Despite Withdrawal Pressure, 'My Way'? Lee Jae-myung Seems to Have Started Preparing for the Party Convention

Lee's Bid for Party Leadership Becomes Visible... Senior Luncheon, SNS Communication Planned
Pro-Moon Faction Including Jeon Hae-cheol and Hong Young-pyo Apply All-Round Pressure for "Joint Withdrawal"
Expected Declaration of Candidacy for Party Convention Early Next Month

Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Lee Jae-myung. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Yunjin Kim] Ahead of the party convention scheduled for August, there are growing expectations that Lee Jae-myung, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, will soon announce his candidacy. Despite strong opposition within the party blaming him for the June 1 local election defeat, Lee has been quietly signaling his intention to run by engaging with his supporters.

Although Lee succeeded in entering the National Assembly in this local election, he had been keeping a low profile following the Democratic Party's consecutive election losses. However, he appeared at a two-day Democratic Party lawmakers' workshop starting on the 23rd. At the workshop, the question of whether Lee would run for party leader became the main topic, with many voices demanding he not run. Meanwhile, senior pro-Moon Jae-in faction lawmakers Jeon Hae-cheol and Hong Young-pyo, who were also considered potential candidates, emphasized "unity and innovation" and declared they would not run, increasing pressure on Lee to step aside.

On the 22nd, Jeon posted on his social media, "Some are calling for certain lawmakers, including candidates themselves, not to run. I understand this as a sincere effort for the Democratic Party's innovation and unity and agree with the intent. I will support the formation of a party leadership centered on Democratic Party values." He thus declared he would not run. Subsequently, on the 28th, Hong also announced on social media, "I wanted to throw everything into leading unity and innovation so the party could rise again. But now, stepping down is the best choice," confirming he would not run in the convention.

Within the party, there is public opinion discouraging Lee's candidacy, but he appears to have effectively decided to run. On the 27th, Lee held a private lunch in Yeouido, Seoul, with senior advisors Kwon No-gap, Kim Won-ki, Im Chae-jung, Jung Dae-chul, and Moon Hee-sang. Political commentator Lee Jong-hoon analyzed, "This is a customary rite before announcing candidacy, showing that he listened to the opinions of party elders and various figures."

Recently, Lee has also raised his profile by criticizing the Yoon Seok-youl administration's economic policies on Facebook. On the 17th, he urged the government to implement a "national emergency economic plan," and on the 25th, he posted advocating for "temporary fuel tax cuts and a ban on short selling" to stabilize livelihoods. On the 28th, he introduced his first legislative bill, the "Partial Amendment to the Act on the Management of Public Institutions," which requires parliamentary approval for privatizing public institutions.

Moreover, pro-Lee faction lawmakers have begun to voice their support actively. Jung Sung-ho, regarded as the leader of the pro-Lee faction, publicly opposed calls for Lee not to run on his Facebook on the 27th, saying, "Core party members were angry at the behavior of telling some not to run because they are responsible." Kim Byung-wook also argued that the responsibility narrative directed at Lee was excessive, stating, "I hope the 'criticism for criticism's sake' will stop."

In political circles, Lee's candidacy is increasingly seen as a foregone conclusion. However, considering internal opposition, he appears to be weighing the timing of his announcement. Commentator Lee Jong-hoon said, "He is likely to announce his candidacy after gathering various opinions and building justification, presenting himself as someone stepping up to help the party in crisis." However, he added, "Considering public demand for Democratic Party reform, it is hard to see Lee's candidacy having a positive impact on the party."

Meanwhile, the Democratic Party continues discussions on revising the party convention rules, including leadership system reforms. Jeon Yong-gi, spokesperson for the Democratic Party Convention Preparation Committee, told reporters after the committee meeting on the 29th, "The rules need to be finalized by early July to avoid operational difficulties, so we are aiming for that timeline." The Democratic Party convention is scheduled to be held on August 28 at the Seoul Olympic Gymnastics Arena.