After the Turning Point in the Opposition Party Convention, 'Eodaemyeong' Confirmed Without Reversal... Leading with Over 70% Cumulative Votes (Summary)

On the 13th, Candidate Lee Ranked First in Vote Share Across Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam Regional Tour
Ulsan 77.61%, Gyeongnam 75.53%, Busan 73.69%... Cumulative 74.59%

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] In the Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam regional primaries held on the 13th as part of the Democratic Party of Korea's process to elect the next party leader, candidate Lee Jae-myung secured first place, pushing his cumulative vote share over 70%. Although about half of the schedule remains until the party convention on the 28th, where the new party leader and final leadership will be decided, Lee's overwhelming lead in the cumulative tally so far confirms the prevailing sentiment of 'Eodaemyeong (Anyway, the leader is Lee Jae-myung)' without any reversal.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Candidate Lee recorded a cumulative vote share of 74.59% through the regional primaries held in Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam, securing first place. Candidate Park Yong-jin's cumulative vote share was 20.7%, and candidate Kang Hoon-sik's was 4.71%, placing second and third respectively.

In the Ulsan primary, Lee received 77.61% of the votes from party members, surpassing Park (18.4%) and Kang (3.99%). In the subsequent Gyeongnam primary, Lee garnered 75.53%, while Park and Kang received 20.06% and 4.41%, respectively. In Busan, Lee obtained 73.69%, Park 21.93%, and Kang 4.38%.

After his decisive victory, Lee met with reporters immediately following the announcement of the primary results at the Busan Port Exhibition & Convention Center, saying, "More people than expected actively supported me," and added, "Since the counting was conducted in regions with fewer party members, I will maintain a humble attitude and do my best to earn the support of many more."

Candidates Park and Kang expressed regret over the low voter turnout and appealed for support until the end.

Park said, "I am worried that the low turnout increases the possibility of the Democratic Party heading in a direction different from what the party members desire," and added, "I hope party comrades actively participate in voting in the remaining regions." He emphasized, "This situation is no different from the party member vote held last week," and stated, "There are still many more party members and regions left, so I will continue to strive." He also added, "I will convey to party members that Park Yong-jin is the driving force behind the Democratic Party's innovation and the key figure for a victorious Democratic Party, and I will work hard to gain more votes."

Kang said, "I still feel that my strength is insufficient," and added, "Following last week, I believe the campaign effects have not yet been realized." Kang, whose constituency is 'Chungnam Asan-si Eul,' seems to be looking forward to the Chungnam, Chungbuk, Daejeon, and Sejong primaries scheduled for tomorrow (the 14th). He said, "I want to show that we can create a foothold for a comeback in the Chungcheong region."

Meanwhile, the party member voter turnout on the day was 39.63% in Ulsan, 39.99% in Gyeongnam, and 50.07% in Busan.

Previously, the turnout rates were 36.43%, 57.81%, and 59.21% in Gangwon, Gyeongbuk, and Daegu, respectively, and 28.62% and 41.26% in Jeju and Incheon.