Jung and Park Build Public Image
Through Engagement with Citizens
The 8·2 National Convention of the Democratic Party of Korea, which will select the party's new leader, has been confirmed as a two-way race between lawmakers Jung Chungrae and Park Chandae, with the official leadership contest kicking off on July 11.
According to the Democratic Party on July 10, only Representative Jung and Representative Park submitted their candidacy documents during the registration period held the previous day. As a result, since there are only two candidates, there will be no preliminary primary, which is held when there are three or more candidates. The leadership election will proceed as follows: starting with the Chungcheong region on July 19, followed by the Yeongnam region on July 20, the Honam region on July 26, the Seoul metropolitan area on July 27, and then Seoul, Gangwon, and Jeju in order on August 2.
From the outset, most observers expected the Democratic Party leadership race to take shape as a two-way contest between Jung Chungrae and Park Chandae. Although there was speculation that a third candidate might emerge, as anticipated, the contest will be a head-to-head match between two politicians born in 1965. Since both candidates are classified as pro-Lee Jaemyung, attention is expected to focus more on policy competition rather than factional rivalry.
Until now, both Jung and Park have focused on meeting with party members and appearing on YouTube, but they have now begun to build a public image through schedules that include television appearances and concerts to engage with citizens. The upcoming Democratic Party leadership election, which will select the leader who will guide the party and oversee local elections until August next year, will reflect 15% of the vote from delegates, 55% from registered party members, and 30% from a public opinion poll of the general population.
On this day, Representative Jung is heading to North Jeolla Province to hold meetings with key party members in Gunsan and Iksan, and will visit Daeya Market in Gunsan. After holding a press conference at the North Jeolla Provincial Council, he will move to Jeonju University to host a book concert. The previous day, Jung also held meetings with key party members in North Chungcheong and Daejeon, and visited Hanwha Eagles Park baseball stadium in Daejeon, where a game between the Hanwha Eagles and Kia Tigers was held, wearing a Hanwha uniform and taking photos with citizens.
On this day, Representative Park plans to participate in four major interviews with broadcasting and media YouTube channels to explain his role in the success and unity of the Lee Jaemyung administration. In the afternoon, he will hold a meeting at the National Assembly Members' Office Building with young party members from Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Incheon to communicate with metropolitan area members, and in the evening, he will visit his alma mater, Inha University, to host a talk concert.
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