[21st General Election] Lee Nak-yeon Leads the Trend

Driving Ruling Party's Landslide Victory, Leading Presidential Candidate
Attention Focused on March Party Convention Candidacy Decision

Lee Nak-yeon, Standing Election Committee Chairman of the Democratic Party of Korea, and Lee Hae-chan, Party Leader, are attending the Korea Future Preparation Election Countermeasures Committee meeting held at the National Assembly on the 16th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] The 'star birth' of the April 15 general election undoubtedly belongs to Lee Nak-yeon, the Chairperson of the Democratic Party's COVID-19 National Crisis Response Committee. By winning in Jongno, Seoul, known as the 'political first district,' and leading the Democratic Party to a landslide victory, he has emerged as the most prominent potential candidate for the next presidential election across all parties. The ruling party's victory has enriched the pool of presidential hopefuls centered around Chairperson Lee.

In the early hours of the 16th, Lee officially confirmed his victory by receiving his certificate of election. The final count showed Lee securing 58.3% of the vote, decisively defeating Hwang Kyo-ahn, the Future United Party candidate, who received 39.9%. Lee also took on the roles of Chairperson of the National Crisis Response Committee for COVID-19 and Co-Chairperson of the Standing Election Countermeasures Committee. Particularly, by comfortably defeating the leader of the main opposition party in Jongno, Lee has secured not only a strong position within his party but also the most advantageous position among all parties for the presidential race two years from now.

Lee Nak-yeon's strength as a politician lies in his concise and clear messages, delivered with sharp insight. His reputation for 'refreshing remarks' during his tenure as Prime Minister is closely related to this. Maintaining a humble attitude until the end of the election and even showing willingness to embrace his competitor, candidate Hwang, has earned him the reputation of a refined politician. These qualities are likely to be significant assets for his future presidential ambitions. However, his lack of affiliation with the pro-Moon Jae-in faction (Pro-Moon) remains a challenge to overcome. Securing support within the party will be the most critical factor in his path to the presidency.

In his victory speech, Lee expressed gratitude, saying, "I thank the people who gave many seats to our Democratic Party and the Together Citizens Party," and emphasized, "We will not neglect the implementation of national tasks."

Immediate attention focuses on whether Lee will run in the Democratic Party's party convention scheduled for August. According to the party's constitution and regulations, presidential candidates are prohibited from holding party positions starting one year before the election. However, there is speculation that even a short tenure as party leader could solidify his standing. For example, President Moon Jae-in served as leader of the New Politics Alliance for Democracy in 2015, two years before the 2017 19th presidential election, before handing over party leadership ahead of the general and presidential elections.

Additionally, elected lawmakers Lee Kwang-jae (Gangwon Wonju Gap) and Kim Du-kwan (Gyeongnam Yangsan Eul), as well as Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon, who brought his close aides into the National Assembly, are also mentioned as major ruling party presidential contenders. Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung may also join the race.

On the other hand, the Future United Party suffered wounds more painful than defeat in this election. Many of its potential presidential candidates have become non-incumbent politicians, triggering an emergency situation.

First, former party leader Hwang, who ran in Jongno, Seoul, resigned voluntarily from his position, taking responsibility for the election defeat. He lost by a large margin in the 'potential presidential candidate showdown' and suffered a severe blow to his leadership and political skills after the party's defeat under his command as election committee chairperson. Hwang stated, "I will bear all responsibility," and "As promised before, I will take responsibility for the election results and resign from all party positions," leaving his future prospects uncertain.

Former Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, who had been attempting a political comeback after resigning in 2011, narrowly lost to Democratic Party candidate Ko Min-jung. Former floor leader Na Kyung-won also suffered defeat in her district to Democratic Party candidate Lee Su-jin. Both losses to political newcomers have cast a red light on their presidential ambitions.

However, Hong Joon-pyo (Daegu Suseong) and Kim Tae-ho (Gyeongnam Sancheong, Hamyang, Geochang, Hapcheon), who left the Future United Party and ran as independents, survived fierce battles. They, along with lawmakers like Yoo Seung-min, who brought in close aides to the National Assembly, and Kim Moo-sung, a dominant figure in Busan, are expected to fiercely compete for the next party leadership position.

Another variable in the conservative presidential race is Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People's Party, whose position has narrowed due to a poorer-than-expected performance.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.