Moon: "Moon Jungbok Stands at the Forefront of Pro-Lee Faction"
On the Pro-Lee vs. Pro-Jeong Divide: "We Should Not Be Split Apart"
Pledges a "Fair and Predictable Primary"
On December 16, Moon Jungbok, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, announced her candidacy for the Supreme Council, stating, "If we are to talk about pro-Lee Jae-myung figures, Moon Jungbok stands at the forefront. Now, the Democratic Party must unite unwaveringly as one and firmly support the Lee Jae-myung administration." Moon, who is categorized as part of the pro-Jeong Cheongrae faction, revealed her connection with President Lee Jae-myung, which is interpreted as an appeal to be chosen in the contest between the pro-Jeong and pro-Lee (pro-Lee Jae-myung) factions.
During a press conference held at the Communication Center in Yeouido, Seoul, Moon stated, "The Democratic Party has always demonstrated its greatest strength when united. The most notable example was the Democratic Party during the nomination and election of Lee Jae-myung as presidential candidate and president," adding, "Now is the time to come together as a 'one team' Democratic Party with a clear path forward and lend our strength to the Lee Jae-myung administration."
She went on to emphasize, "The 2026 local elections will be a critical turning point to determine whether the Lee Jae-myung administration can stably accomplish its national agenda. We must achieve an overwhelming victory in the local elections."
She also mentioned the period when President Lee served as party leader. Moon said, "Party members will remember the time when Representative Lee Jae-myung was most isolated, with the passage of the arrest consent motion amid attacks from both inside and outside the party," stressing, "At that time, I, Moon Jungbok, did not remain silent. I was the first to step up and stood by Lee Jae-myung until the end."
She actively highlighted her strengths as the former Deputy Secretary-General for Organization. Moon stated, "I have been responsible for the practical operations of nationwide elections, managing the organization and gathering public sentiment to deliver results. That is why I fully understand the weight of party members' choices and the principles by which the party operates." She added, "What the Democratic Party needs now is not someone who only talks, but someone who can make decisions and take responsibility in moments of crisis."
Moon also pledged to ensure a fair primary, a topic that has recently become prominent within the party. She said, "I will establish a fair and predictable primary process for victory in the local elections," adding, "I will uphold the party-government relationship firmly based on principles." She further promised, "I will expand the party member participation-based decision-making structure and ensure that more party members' opinions are reflected in party operations."
After the press conference, Moon addressed comments she had made about Yoo Dongcheol, the head of the Busan Suyeong District Committee, referring to him as a "wild child," clarifying, "That was not my intention at all."
Previously, Yoo had publicly protested the decision by the Jeong Cheongrae leadership to cut him off from the position of Busan City Party Chair and the findings of the Special Committee on Organizational Reinforcement, of which Moon serves as vice chair. It was reported that Moon commented that "his manners need to be corrected" in response. Yoo has since demanded an apology and retraction of her remarks.
Moon stated, "Having served as a local councilor, I understand the feelings of candidates very well," adding, "As a Supreme Council member, I will strive to be a supportive senior who ensures that candidates are reviewed fairly and equally."
Regarding the perception that the Supreme Council election is a contest between the pro-Lee and pro-Jeong factions, she responded, "There should not be such divisions within the Democratic Party as pro-Jeong and pro-Lee. Although I am categorized as pro-Jeong, in fact, I do not have a close connection with (Jeong Cheongrae) the party leader. Rather, my ties with President Lee are much deeper."
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