Lee Jae-myung Gains Over 70% Support from Party Members in Gangwon, Gyeongbuk, and Daegu Primaries
Top Committee Members: Jeong Cheong-rae, Go Min-jeong, Park Chan-dae, Jang Kyung-tae, Seo Young-kyo, Yoon Young-chan, Go Young-in, Song Gap-seok in Order
[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] In the first regional primary election for the next leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, candidate Lee Jae-myung showed overwhelming dominance by securing over 70% support from party members with voting rights.
In the first regional primary held on the 6th in Gangwon, Daegu, and Gyeongbuk, candidate Lee received 74.81% of the votes from party members with voting rights, taking first place. Candidate Park Yong-jin received 20.31%, and candidate Kang Hoon-sik received 4.88%.
Even before the party convention, the phrase "Eodaemyeong" (Anyway, the party leader will be Lee Jae-myung) was openly circulated within the party, indicating expectations of Lee's dominance. Lee secured an advantageous position by leading in the party members' vote, which accounts for 40% of the overall primary. As the Democratic Party's presidential candidate in the last election, Lee enjoys broad recognition and strong support from party members. Moreover, although the Daegu and Gyeongbuk regions represent a small proportion of the total party members, they are considered strongholds of support for Lee due to his hometown being Andong, Gyeongbuk.
Lee showed consistent dominance with vote shares of 74.09% in Gangwon, 77.69% in Gyeongbuk, and 73.38% in Daegu. Park received 20.56% in Gangwon, 17.94% in Gyeongbuk, and 22.31% in Daegu, while Kang earned 5.35%, 4.38%, and 4.31% respectively in those regions. These results reflect only the votes from party members with voting rights.
The Democratic Party leadership election is conducted based on 40% party members' votes, 30% delegates' votes, 5% general party members' opinion polls, and 25% general public opinion polls (with reverse voting prevention measures applied). Results from general party members' opinion polls and delegates' votes will be reflected simultaneously at the national delegates' convention on the 28th. Public opinion polls will be announced twice, on the 14th and 28th.
Han Min-su, spokesperson for candidate Lee, said, "We received overwhelming support for candidate Lee Jae-myung to build a strong Democratic Party that will stop the backsliding of the Yoon Seok-yeol government and proudly win as an alternative party." He added, "Starting with Gangwon, Gyeongbuk, and Daegu, we will create a hopeful party convention that draws a new future for the Democratic Party together with other candidates."
In the Supreme Council member election, candidate Jeong Cheong-rae led with 29.86% of the votes. Following him were candidate Ko Min-jung with 22.50% and candidate Park Chan-dae with 10.75%, ranking second and third respectively. Next were candidate Jang Kyung-tae with 10.65%, Seo Young-kyo with 9.09%, Yoon Young-chan with 7.83%, Ko Young-in with 4.67%, and Song Gap-seok with 4.64%. Five members will be elected from the eight candidates who passed the cutoff.
The Democratic Party will hold the second primary on the 7th in Jeju and Incheon. Subsequently, regional primaries will be held on the 13th in Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam; on the 14th in Sejung, Chungcheong, and Daejeon; on the 20th in Jeonbuk; on the 21st in Gwangju and Jeonnam; and on the 27th in Seoul and Gyeonggi. Finally, the national delegates' convention will be held on the 28th to select the next leadership team.
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