[Report] "Cold Treats on Hot Days" vs "Jung Chungrae for Party Leader"

The Excitement and Heat of the Democratic Party National Convention
Supporters of Jung Chungrae and Park Chandae Compete in Cheering
A Festive Atmosphere with Music, Dancing, and Colorful Outfits
Safety Precautions Taken Amid Scorching Weather

"It's really hot, isn't it? On hot days, you need something cold~"

"Party leader, Jung Chungrae, party leader, Jung Chungrae"

On August 2, the day of the Democratic Party of Korea's leadership convention, a mascot sculpture of the Democratic Party was installed in front of the KINTEX event hall in Ilsan, Goyang, Seoul. Photo by Moon Hyewon

On August 2, when a heatwave advisory was in effect across the country, the atmosphere at KINTEX in Ilsan, Goyang, Seoul, was heated with excitement as the Democratic Party of Korea held its national convention to elect a new party leader.

That morning, party members dressed in bright blue Democratic Party T-shirts gathered in small groups at KINTEX, each carrying a fan printed with the photo of their preferred candidate for party leader or a handheld fan with the party logo. Some members even entered the venue with their pets dressed in matching blue T-shirts.

The supporters of the two candidates, Jung Chungrae and Park Chandae, engaged in a fierce cheering competition both inside and outside the venue from early in the morning.

On August 2, during the Democratic Party of Korea's convention, a support rally for party leader candidate Park Chandae is taking place outdoors in front of the Kintex event hall in Ilsan, Goyang, Seoul. Photo by Moon Hyewon

At the outdoor booths under the scorching sun, popular songs reminiscent of beach resorts played continuously. Party members danced enthusiastically to the music and sprayed cool water on passersby to help them beat the heat.

The playful outfits, reminiscent of Waikiki Beach in Hawaii, brought laughter to those passing by. A traditional Korean percussion troupe, equipped with kkwaenggwari, janggu, and drums, also appeared to liven up the atmosphere.

On the 2nd, during the Democratic Party of Korea's August 2nd party convention held at the KINTEX event hall in Ilsan, Goyang, Seoul, party members supporting Park Chandae, a candidate for party leader, are performing a cheering performance. Photo by Moon Hyewon

Inside the venue, party members dressed in colorful outfits and holding number '2' balloons continuously chanted the names of each candidate. There was also a subtle tension between the supporters of the two candidates.

On August 2, during the Democratic Party of Korea's leadership convention held at KINTEX in Ilsan, Goyang, Seoul, party leader candidate Chung Cheongrae entered the venue and greeted his supporters. Photo by Moon Hyewon

Until Jung Chungrae arrived at the KINTEX venue, the supporters of Park Chandae had filled the hall. However, when Jung Chungrae appeared in a black car in the parking lot, the mood shifted dramatically. At around 12:55 p.m., Jung Chungrae, who had arrived early, made a round of Park Chandae's outdoor booth, shaking hands and hugging Park Chandae's supporters in a show of camaraderie. Lawmakers Jang Kyungtae, Lee Sungyun, and Han Minsu accompanied Jung Chungrae.

Later, as Jung Chungrae entered the indoor venue like a triumphant general, his supporters welcomed him by holding up placards with the number '1' and slogans supporting him, repeatedly chanting his name in unison.

When Park Chandae entered afterward, the supporters of both candidates tried to outdo each other by chanting their preferred candidate's name even louder, causing a brief commotion inside the venue.

On August 2, at the Kintex event hall in Ilsan, Goyang, Seoul, where the Democratic Party of Korea's convention was held, a dog named Heedong wearing a blue T-shirt is looking at its owner. Photo by Moon Hyewon

Meanwhile, for the safety of attendees, portable stretchers and emergency medical kits were placed throughout the venue.