Fierce Party Conventions: Ruling Party Competes on Clarity, Opposition on Innovation Proposals

Democratic Party Targets Party Sentiment with Hardline Stance
People Power Party Engages in Innovation Race Amid Far-Right Controversy

As the August party conventions for both the ruling and opposition parties approach, competition over clarity and innovation proposals has become the main focus of attention. In the Democratic Party's leadership race, candidates Jung Chungrae and Park Chandae are aiming to secure last-minute party support by targeting the issue of ending insurrection. With the convention imminent, Jung and Park have entered a contest of "clarity" in their positions. Meanwhile, in the People Power Party, amid an unexpected controversy over a shift to the far right, candidates are fiercely competing with their innovation proposals.

Park Chandae (left) and Jung Chungrae, candidates running for the Democratic Party of Korea leadership election, shake hands before the start of the second television debate at the KBS New Building Public Hall in Yeouido, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul on the afternoon of the 27th. Photo by Yonhap News

On the 28th, Park Chandae commented on his social media, "I was very pleased to be able to explain in detail that Park Chandae and Jung Chungrae share the same determination for ending insurrection and pursuing reform," reflecting on the Democratic Party's second TV debate for party leader held the previous day. During the debate, strong statements were made regarding strict punishment for insurrection charges, criticism of Seoul Central District Court Chief Judge Ji Guyoun, and calls for extending the special prosecutor's investigation.

In particular, both candidates made it clear that they would not cooperate with the People Power Party under the current circumstances. Jung Chungrae emphasized, "Eradicating insurrection comes before cooperation," while Park Chandae asserted, "There will never be cooperation, compromise, or negotiation with insurrectionist forces." When the moderator asked which People Power Party leadership candidate they would work well with, both candidates firmly responded, "None."

As the lineup for the People Power Party convention becomes clearer, full-scale competition for votes is underway. The contest is shaping up between Kim Moonsoo, former Minister of Employment and Labor, and Jang Donghyuk, both aligned with pro-Yoon Sukyeol and Jeon Hangil factions, versus reformist candidates Ahn Cheolsoo and Cho Kyungtae. In this context, Joo Jinwoo, who occupies a gray area, is also vying for support. The central issue of the People Power Party convention is undoubtedly innovation proposals.

Ahn Cheolsoo, a presidential candidate of the People Power Party, is announcing party innovation plans including personnel reform measures at the National Assembly Communication Office in Yeouido, Seoul on the 28th. Photo by Yonhap News

On this day, Ahn Cheolsoo held a press conference at the National Assembly, declaring, "I will become a reformist party leader," and announced an innovation plan based on two major principles and five key tasks. Ahn's main principles are a complete break from former President Yoon Sukyeol and his wife, and a break from extremist forces. He also proposed bold personnel reforms, amending party regulations to establish a horizontal relationship between the party and government, and founding a youth wing within the party. Joo Jinwoo is also scheduled to announce his party reform plan later in the afternoon.

On the other hand, Jang Donghyuk is strengthening his far-right stance by appearing on debate broadcasts hosted by conservative YouTubers such as Jeon Hangil, a Korean history lecturer. Jang argues that rather than purging mainstream figures responsible for impeachment and martial law, the party should focus on identifying and correcting the root causes of past mistakes. Kim Moonsoo is also negative about severing ties with Jeon Hangil and others.