First TV Debate for Democratic Party Convention: 'Stability' Park vs. 'Speed' Jeong Face Off

First Televised Debate Before July 19 Chungcheong Regional Primary
Candidates Compete for Clarity to Win Party Members and Lee Jaemyung Supporters

Ahead of the first regional primary for the Democratic Party's August 2 convention, lawmakers Park Chandae and Jeong Chungrae will face off for the first time in a televised debate. Both candidates are expected to compete for clarity of vision in order to win the support of dues-paying party members, whose votes account for 55% of the total in the party leader election.

Park and Jeong will participate in their first public debate as Democratic Party leadership candidates on SBS News Briefing at 2 p.m. today. Starting with this debate, further Democratic Party leadership debates are scheduled for July 23 on JTBC Odaeyoung Live and July 29 on MBC 100-Minute Debate.

The regional primaries will officially begin in the Chungcheong area on July 19. With the announcement of the first results approaching, both candidates are focusing on winning party members' support by emphasizing the success of the Lee Jaemyung administration and presenting their visions for party leadership.

Park is highlighting his strength as a candidate who can stably lead the party and government as one team. A source from Park's camp stated, "During the time when President Lee Jaemyung was party leader, Park served as floor leader, overcoming internal strife and achieving a change in government," adding, "Since victory in next year's local elections is crucial, he plans to emphasize his experience and leadership."

As a former accountant, Park is also expected to highlight his understanding of economic policy, emphasizing his ability to work with the government on issues such as closing regulatory gaps for businesses and enhancing shareholder value.

Jeong Chungrae and Park Chandae, candidates for the Democratic Party leadership, are taking a commemorative photo at the pledge ceremony for fair elections held at the National Assembly on July 15, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

In contrast, Jeong Chungrae plans to stress his suitability as the right person to end the ongoing internal strife, drawing on his strong reformist image demonstrated during his tenure as chair of the National Assembly Legislation and Judiciary Committee and as impeachment manager for former President Yoon Sukyeol.

The previous day, he spearheaded the introduction of a partial amendment to the Constitutional Court Act, which would allow the National Assembly to request the dissolution of unconstitutional political parties through a plenary vote.

A source from Jeong's camp stated, "This is not a time of peace; internal strife continues, so we need a party leader with the drive to push through plans," adding, "He intends to emphasize that he is a candidate with the leadership to forcefully advance reform efforts and build a party that embodies member sovereignty in line with the era of popular sovereignty."