Jeong Cheongrae Apologizes for Rejection of "One Person, One Vote" System... Promises Swift Resubmission of Nomination Rules

"One Person, One Vote" Rejected by Democratic Party Central Committee on the 5th
Jeong Cheongrae: "Deeply Sorry to Those Who Elected Me as Leader"

After the "one person, one vote" system-an initiative pledged by Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, to increase the proportion of votes reflected by party members-was ultimately rejected by the Central Committee, Jeong issued an apology. Due to the low turnout among Central Committee members, the proposed changes to the nomination rules for the June 3 local elections, which could not be processed together, will be revised and brought back for a vote as soon as possible.

Jeong Cheong-rae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the 3rd Central Committee meeting held at the National Assembly on December 5, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

At a press conference at the National Assembly in Yeouido on December 5, Jeong Cheongrae stated, "I tried to keep the promises I made during the party convention, but since the Central Committee rejected them, I am unable to fulfill my pledge. I feel deeply sorry to the party members who elected me as leader to fulfill these promises, as it has become difficult to realize their aspirations."

Earlier that day, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the Democratic Party's Central Committee voted on amendments to the party constitution and regulations. The proposed amendments included changes to the nomination rules for the June 3 local elections (such as 100% selection of basic and metropolitan proportional representatives by party members, and adjustments to the additional quotas for youth and persons with disabilities), as well as the introduction of the one person, one vote system (changing the ratio of delegate and party member votes to 1:1). However, neither proposal passed, as they both failed to secure the majority of votes required from all committee members.

Jeong announced that the proposal related to changes in the local election nomination rules would be revised and resubmitted, but that the push for the one person, one vote system would be temporarily suspended. He said, "Since we need to conduct the local elections, we will submit a revised amendment to the party constitution related to the local election rules and bring it back to the Central Committee for a decision as soon as possible. However, it seems very difficult to immediately resubmit the amendment for the one person, one vote system."

He also noted, "In particular, the amendment to the party constitution regarding the local election nomination rules was rejected by just two votes. This result is being interpreted as due to low voter turnout, and there also appear to be some provisions that regional committee chairs are reluctant to accept. We will ease those provisions and submit a revised proposal for a vote."

However, regarding the one person, one vote system, Jeong left open the possibility of revisiting it. He said, "The important thing is to remain undeterred. Just as a river does not give up on reaching the sea, we cannot give up here on the dream of a one person, one vote system and a party governed by its members. I will take a little more time and seek guidance from our members."

In conclusion, Jeong stated, "Although we must temporarily pause the steps toward a party governed by its members, I will move forward with trust only in the will of the party and its members. Once again, I sincerely apologize to all party members for the Central Committee's rejection."

Jeong Cheong-rae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the 3rd Central Committee meeting held at the National Assembly on December 5, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

Following Jeong's statement, Secretary-General Cho Seungrae told reporters, "We will revise and process the proposed amendment to the party constitution regarding the local election selection rules as soon as possible. Even if it is over the weekend, we will convene the local election planning team and, once the details are finalized, submit the revised proposal to the Supreme Council meeting on Monday (the 8th)."

He added, "The Party Affairs Committee was originally scheduled to meet around Tuesday (the 9th) to decide on the by-election regulations for the Supreme Council. This agenda will be added and the relevant procedures will be followed accordingly."

Regarding the interpretation that a lack of confidence in Jeong contributed to the rejection of the proposals, Secretary-General Cho countered, "I do not think that interpretation is appropriate. I hope you will see this as a process of making mature decisions through these procedures."

Cho also said, "As the secretary-general who oversaw the process, I feel truly sorry to the party members and the leadership. Nevertheless, it is also a process that confirms the party is alive and functioning."