Park Chandae to Announce Bid for Democratic Party Leadership on June 23, Set to Face Off Against Jeong Cheongrae

Park Chandae, former floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, will officially announce his candidacy for party leader on June 23. He is expected to face off against Jeong Cheongrae, chairman of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, who has already declared his intention to run, in a contest for party leadership.

Park Chandae, former floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea (center)

On the afternoon of June 21, Park announced to the media that he would declare his candidacy for party leader at 11 a.m. on June 23 at the Democratic Party's central headquarters, in the party member zone.

Park, who has been elected three consecutive times (20th to 22nd National Assembly) in the Yeonsu-gap district of Incheon, took on the role of floor leader in May last year. He served as a central figure for the party through the December 3 Martial Law crisis, the impeachment of former President Yoon Sukyeol, and the early presidential election phase. In particular, he gained attention as a leading figure among the so-called "new pro-Lee Jae-myung" faction and enjoyed strong support from the party's hardline members.

It was initially reported that Park had considered running for mayor of Incheon in the 9th local elections scheduled for June next year. However, buoyed by the support of party members, he appears to have shifted his focus to the party leadership race.

Earlier on the morning of June 21, Park cautioned against excessive internal strife ahead of the leadership contest, posting on his social media account, "Our Democratic Party is strongest when united," and urging, "Please refrain from attacks or criticism directed internally."

This Democratic Party interim convention will begin in Chungcheong on July 19, followed by Yeongnam on July 20, Honam on July 26, Gyeonggi and Incheon on July 27, and conclude with Seoul, Gangwon, and Jeju on August 2. If there are three or more candidates, a preliminary primary will be held on July 15. The term of the party leader elected at this convention will last until August 1 next year, which is the remainder of President Lee Jaemyung's term. Additionally, as Kim Minseok, a member of the Supreme Council, has been nominated as prime minister, a successor for the Supreme Council position will also be elected at this convention.