"Final Tally Will Surpass 90%"... Lee Jaemyung Supporters Celebrate at Festival [Report]

Chants for Lee Jaemyung, Dancing Supporters
Other Candidates' Backers Remain Quiet
Journalists' Bags Searched, Stirring Controversy

"Today, the final tally will surpass 90%."

Former leader Lee Jae Myung's side is holding a cheering event. Photo by Im Chun Han

The final primary to select the presidential candidate for the Democratic Party of Korea was a festival for supporters of former leader Lee Jaemyung.

At around 1 p.m. on the 28th, Choi Hyosuk, whom we met in front of KINTEX in Ilsan, Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, said, "When Lee was the governor of Gyeonggi, there were policies for youth, and I benefited from them," adding, "Many people in their 20s and 30s support him." Lee Jinryeon said, "Lee will overwhelmingly become the candidate," emphasizing, "We can no longer tolerate the forces of rebellion."

Although the final candidate selection event was scheduled to begin at 3 p.m., a long line had already formed two hours earlier. As if to prove the phrase "Eodaemyung" (meaning 'the presidential candidate will inevitably be Lee Jaemyung'), the support for Lee was overwhelming. The venue was crowded with party members from all over the country, who chanted "Lee Jaemyung," waved placards, and danced. Ha Taeo, who came from Gwanak District in Seoul, said, "Lee will be the candidate, and he is the right person for the job," adding, "The will of the people is the will of heaven. There is no one but Lee."

Supporters of former leader Lee Jaemyung are dancing. Photo by Im Chunhan

On the other hand, supporters of Gyeonggi Governor Kim Dongyeon and former Gyeongnam Governor Kim Kyungsoo appeared to have already given up. Both candidates had emphasized the cause of regime change during the primary and adopted strategies that highlighted their respective strengths, policies, and visions, but these efforts had little effect. Supporters of both sides looked dispirited, as if the outcome had already been decided. Ahn Jaechul said, "Today, Lee will become the presidential candidate. It's not a bad thing," adding, "Still, I hope Governor Kim can at least get 10%."

Security checks on site were thorough. An event official explained, "We are searching bags and belongings for safety reasons." Journalists were no exception. Bags belonging to reporters were searched at the entrance, leading to complaints.

Former Gyeongnam Governor Kim Kyungsoo and Gyeonggi Governor Kim Dongyeon are rallying support. Photo by Im Chunhan

On this day, the Democratic Party is holding the final round of its nationwide primary?the capital region, Gangwon, and Jeju primary and the final candidate selection event?at KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. The presidential candidate will be determined by combining the results of party member votes from Chungcheong, Yeongnam, Honam, and the capital region, along with a public opinion poll. Lee is already leading with a cumulative vote share of 89.04% in the previous Chungcheong, Yeongnam, and Honam primaries. The party primary is participated in by dues-paying party members and national delegates. Although the results from the capital region primary are still to come, Lee appears to have secured solid support within the party.

Four years ago, in the 2021 presidential primary, Lee barely surpassed the majority with a final vote share of 50.29%. His rival at the time, Lee Nakyon, recorded 39.14%, and the Democratic Party subsequently experienced internal strife. In last August's party convention, where Lee was re-elected as party leader, he set a new record with an 85.40% vote share?attention is now focused on whether he will break that record.