▲ Democratic Party of Korea leadership candidates Kim Min-seok, Jung Chung-rae, and Song Young-gil
The issue of "additional voting" for party members has emerged as a key variable in the Democratic Party of Korea's leadership race.
While factions close to Lee Jae-myung have argued for giving party members who failed to vote a second chance to cast their ballots, factions close to Jung Chung-rae have strongly pushed back, calling it out of the question.
The pro-Jung Chung-rae faction, centered around party leadership candidate Jung Chung-rae, dismissed the pro-Lee faction's argument, stating that additional voting is out of the question.
Meeting with reporters after a meeting with public service workers from Seoul at the National Assembly today (August 5), candidate Jung pointed out regarding the "additional voting" argument, "How is this any different from saying, 'I missed the plane because I was late, so turn the plane around'?"
"This is a voting insurrection and a voting coup," Jung emphasized, adding, "It is simply unimaginable."
Supreme Council member Park Gyu-hwan, a pro-Jung figure, also stated during the Supreme Council meeting today, "Arguments to retroactively recognize passive voting rights, which has not happened even once in similar cases, are bursting out in an organized manner. Are they saying that since the vote count is low, we should keep voting until we win?"
At the Supreme Council meeting, Supreme Council member Kang Deuk-gu, a pro-Lee figure, directly challenged this stance.
There is an atmosphere within the pro-Lee faction that allowing both hardline and moderate party members to participate in the voting would be advantageous for Kim Min-seok, the party leadership candidate supported by the pro-Lee faction.
During the meeting, Supreme Council member Kang said, "There are criticisms that voting closes before candidates finish their speeches during regional joint rallies, which dilutes the meaning of policy presentations. We must improve the system so that people can at least listen to policy speeches at joint rallies before casting their votes."
Kang emphasized, "Party member sovereignty is fulfilled when more members participate in voting," and added, "Measures to encourage more party members to take part in voting are necessary."
The three candidates—Song Young-gil, Jung Chung-rae, and Kim Min-seok—have also dedicated themselves to preparing for the second TV debate scheduled for this afternoon.
Candidate Jung stated that he would directly counter offensive claims, such as predictions that a lame-duck period would be expected if he serves consecutive terms as party leader.
Meeting with reporters at the National Assembly, Jung pointed out, "(Opposing candidates) are engaging in fear marketing by claiming that 'a lame-duck period will arrive if Jung Chung-rae wins.' That is sheer nonsense and something that should never be said."
He went on to raise his voice, stating, "Speed is essential for the Gwangju semiconductor cluster and the three major megaprojects, and when it comes to swift and decisive lightning campaigns, I am number one."
Candidate Kim's camp plans to place its primary focus on presenting visions.
Kim's camp conveyed, "We will head in a direction that discusses our vision and plans to promote the three major megaprojects and other initiatives."
However, they added, "There is bound to be a political sparring match, and we will respond to that."
Candidate Song has signaled an impending attack on candidate Jung.
In an interview with Gyeongin Broadcasting Radio, Song stated, "I plan to address the issue of merging with the Rebuilding Korea Party."
He intends to question whether candidate Jung's attempt earlier this year to push for a merger with the Rebuilding Korea Party ahead of the local elections was appropriate.
(Photo: Yonhap News)
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