Song Young-gil, a former leader of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), is reportedly considering a bid for the party's leadership in the August 17 election. According to DPK lawmaker Park Jie-won, Song discussed his intention to run in a three-way race and ultimately unite with Prime Minister Kim Min-seok during a private dinner with President Lee Jae-myung last week at the presidential residence in Hannam-dong, Seoul. Park Jie-won stated that Song conveyed Lee's positive response, encouraging him to 'do well.'
This potential three-way contest would pit Song and Kim against the incumbent party leader, Chung Cheong-rae, who is expected to seek re-election. Sources within the DPK suggest that an alliance between Song and Kim could form to counter Chung, particularly given the introduction of a run-off voting system in this year's party election. If no candidate secures an absolute majority in the initial round, a run-off between the top two contenders would be held, allowing for strategic alliances and endorsements.
Song Young-gil, who previously served as a five-term lawmaker for Incheon's Gyeyang-eul district before stepping down for the 2022 Seoul mayoral election, has a history with President Lee Jae-myung, having passed his constituency to Lee at that time. Song is currently on a visit to the United States as a special envoy for the National Assembly Speaker and is expected to announce his official candidacy upon his return around June 27. Prime Minister Kim Min-seok is also anticipated to return to political activities after parliamentary confirmation hearings for a new Prime Minister nominee conclude on June 25-26.
Chung Cheong-rae, meanwhile, has been actively campaigning in the Jeolla region, appealing to core supporters. His chief of staff, DPK lawmaker Han Min-soo, stated that Chung is still contemplating his re-election bid but acknowledged that 'all decisions will ultimately be made by the party members.' The DPK's leadership election is seen as a crucial moment for the party, with internal divisions between factions loyal to President Lee Jae-myung and those aligned with Chung Cheong-rae becoming increasingly apparent. Political commentator Kim Eo-jun suggested that President Lee's recent decline in approval ratings stems from an 'exodus of core supporters,' partly due to perceived attacks on 'pro-Moon Jae-in' figures by some within the 'New Lee Jae-myung' faction.