Democratic Party Holds Supreme Council By-Election Joint Speech... Pro-Lee vs. Pro-Jeong Factional Battle Begins in Earnest

Pro-Lee: Yoo Dongcheol, Lee Geontae, Kang Deukgu
Pro-Jeong: Moon Jeongbok, Lee Sungyun

Candidates for the by-election of the Supreme Council of the Democratic Party of Korea continued a sharp war of nerves during their first joint debate, amid a confrontation between pro-Lee Jae-myung and pro-Jeong Cheongrae factions.

Yonhap News Agency

At the joint campaign speech for the Democratic Party Supreme Council by-election held at the party headquarters in Yeouido on December 23, Assemblywoman Moon Jeongbok stated, "Do you remember the loneliest and most difficult moment when the motion to arrest Representative Lee Jae-myung was passed? At that time, I, Moon Jeongbok, did not remain silent," adding, "If we must talk about being pro-Lee, Moon Jeongbok is at the very front." This Supreme Council by-election is referred to as the "Myeong-Cheong War," with pro-Lee candidates (Yoo Dongcheol, Lee Geontae, Kang Deukgu) competing against pro-Jeong candidates (Moon Jeongbok, Lee Sungyun).

Assemblywoman Moon's remarks about being "pro-Lee" are interpreted as a response to this confrontation between the two factions. Even before the primary began, the rivalry intensified when it became known that Moon had called Yoo Dongcheol, the Busan Suyeong District Chair, a "wild child." However, on this day, Moon also emphasized her relationship with Party Leader Jeong Cheongrae by mentioning Jeong's pledges, such as reintroducing the one-member-one-vote system for party members and reviving local party chapters.

Chairman Yoo highlighted the conflict between the two factions. He said, "Some people mock me as a 'wild child who needs to be disciplined,'" taking aim at Assemblywoman Moon. He also stated, "Some claim to be at the very front of the pro-Lee faction, but there is no such thing as a front row in the pro-Lee camp. Being pro-Lee means directing all the spotlight to President Lee and taking the arrows aimed at him."

Assemblyman Lee Geontae emphasized his past role as President Lee's legal counsel in the Daejang-dong case, while Assemblyman Kang Deukgu highlighted his experience as Senior Deputy Secretary-General when Lee was the party leader. Assemblyman Lee Sungyun stated, "Lee Jae-myung, Jeong Cheongrae, and Lee Sungyun all have one vote each."

This by-election will select three Supreme Council members to fill vacancies created by candidates running in local elections. Voting will take place online and via ARS from January 9 to 11. The results will reflect 50% from the Central Committee and 50% from dues-paying party members, and each voter can select two candidates.