Turning Point in the Opposition Party Convention, Leading Candidates Appeal for Support in 'Bu-Ul-Gyeong Regional Primaries'

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] The next leadership candidates of the Democratic Party of Korea appealed for support at a joint speech meeting held on the 13th in Ulsan, Gyeongnam, and Busan ahead of the August 28 party convention. Candidate Lee Jae-myung emphasized that through "strong leadership," the party will become a winning party against the Yoon Seok-yeol administration's "three no's (incompetence, irresponsibility, no measures)." Candidate Park Yong-jin focused on checking Candidate Lee by mentioning the "revision of Article 80 of the party constitution" and the "controversy over party factionalism." Candidate Kang Hoon-sik pointed out the "low voter turnout" and stressed that he could be a new option.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the same day, Candidate Lee said at the Democratic Party's joint speech meeting for party leader and supreme councilor candidates held at the Busan Port Convention Center in Dong-gu, Busan, "Who is the party leader who will make the Democratic Party a national party and create a beloved Democratic Party with strong leadership?" He added, "I will take full responsibility for making the Democratic Party a national party to ensure victory in the next general and presidential elections." He also targeted the Yoon administration, saying, "Against this incompetent, irresponsible, and unprepared 'three no' government, our Democratic Party must prevent regression and unilateral rule and take responsibility for the people's lives." He raised his voice, saying, "The helpless 'reflexive benefit politics' that waits for the opponent's failure can no longer be our goal. We will innovate into a party that the people will willingly choose and definitely create a winning Democratic Party."

Candidate Park reiterated his opposition to the "revision of Article 80 of the party constitution," which is referred to as the "Lee Jae-myung shield revision."

Candidate Park said, "Article 80 of the party constitution, which symbolizes the Democratic Party's history and tradition of fighting corruption during the opposition period under Moon Jae-in's leadership, suspends the duties of those indicted for corruption. They are trying to change this article." He added, "Moon Jae-in's reform plan should not quietly disappear just because the Moon Jae-in administration has ended. If the party constitution revision is for the sake of one person, it should not be allowed at all." He emphasized, "We must become a Democratic Party confident both morally and politically," and firmly opposed the controversy over the Article 80 revision.

Candidate Kang pointed out the low voter turnout amid the current party convention, where the phrase "Eodaemyeong (Anyway, the leader is Lee Jae-myung)" is circulating, and appealed for votes for himself.

Candidate Kang said, "This party convention is really strange," and criticized, "The leading candidate's vote share is the highest ever, but the party member turnout is the lowest ever." He continued, "Nearly two-thirds of party members are not voting. Shouldn't we first listen to the frustrating feelings of those who are not voting?" He repeatedly emphasized that he could be a new alternative for the Democratic Party, saying, "The historically low turnout means they dislike the prevailing trend and also dislike unconditional opposition."