Kim Du-gwan Announces Candidacy for Democratic Party Leader... Welcomed Atmosphere but "Uncertain if It Will Be a Storm"

Lee Jae-myung Also Running for Party Leader on the 10th... Two-Way Contest Expected
"Kim Du-gwan Faces Difficulty in Gaining Popularity Without Clear Symbolism"

Former lawmaker Kim Du-kwan is challenging for the leadership of the Democratic Party of Korea. Although the party has escaped the stigma of a one-man dominance under former leader Lee Jae-myung, there is skepticism within the party that Kim's candidacy will shake up the party convention.

Kim Doo-kwan, Chairman of the Democratic Party of Korea's Gyeongnam Provincial Party Committee, is delivering the opening address at the joint debate and resolution meeting for election law reform in the Yeongnam region held at the National Assembly Library on the 5th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

At a press conference held on the 9th at the Sejong Special Self-Governing City Council, Kim said, "The Democratic Party is burdened with a heavy responsibility as it has nurtured an unprecedentedly autocratic party leader and one-man party system, which has destroyed democracy and increased the public’s concern and disappointment." He added, "The spirit of former President Kim Dae-jung, who aimed for reconciliation, unity, solidarity, and coalition, and the spirit of former President Roh Moo-hyun, who raised objections when something was wrong, have long since disappeared without a trace from the Democratic Party." Furthermore, he emphasized, "My candidacy for party leader is a strong will to physically prevent the obvious collapse of the Democratic Party," and said, "Depending on the choice of party members and comrades, the Democratic Party stands at a crossroads between succeeding in regime change and overcoming the crisis of the Republic of Korea or failing in regime change." After the press conference, Kim planned to travel to Gwangju Metropolitan City to pay respects at the May 18 Democratic Cemetery and meet with Gwangju Mayor Kang Gi-jung.

The Democratic Party felt burdened by holding the party convention under the one-man dominance of former leader Lee. The Democratic Party Convention Preparation Committee (Jeonjunwi) did not amend related regulations despite the possibility of Lee’s uncontested nomination, only revising rules related to the expansion of party membership rights. Jeong Eui-ho, spokesperson for the Jeonjunwi, told reporters after the second committee meeting on the 28th of last month, "If the central party sets uncontested nomination and changes the regulations, it could give other candidates a burden and create a negative impression among the public."

The Democratic Party welcomes Kim’s candidacy. They seem to expect that it will relieve the burden of a one-man dominance and also boost the party convention’s popularity. A lawmaker who requested anonymity said, "It is a good and natural phenomenon," and added, "There were few candidates, so I want to applaud Kim’s courage."

Former leader Lee Jae-myung is scheduled to hold a press conference announcing his candidacy at 11 a.m. on the 10th. Lee’s side stated in a press release that day, "In his declaration, Lee will present a vision for the missing Republic of Korea and deliver a message of hope to the people," and "He will also emphasize plans for party development to lead a more competent and prepared Democratic Party through innovation."

The upcoming party convention is expected to be a two-way contest between Kim and Lee. The Democratic Party is conducting the registration process for preliminary candidates for party leader and supreme council members until the 10th. Spokesperson Jeong said, "So far, no one else has come forward to run for party leader." However, there is a forecast that Kim will find it difficult to cause a major impact at the convention, as the party has already formed a momentum centered around Lee Jae-myung.

A key party insider said, "The party convention is an issue that requires participation mainly from politically highly engaged party members rather than the general public," and added, "Unless Kim clearly opposes Lee and gains symbolic significance, it will be difficult to create excitement or a political storm."