Lee Nak-yeon Firm on Party Leadership Bid... 'Presidential Preliminary Primary' if Kim Boo-kyum Runs

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] Lee Nak-yeon, chairman of the Democratic Party's COVID-19 National Crisis Overcoming Committee and a leading presidential contender, has solidified his decision to run for party leadership. Another potential presidential candidate from the same party, Representative Kim Boo-kyum, is also reportedly considering a bid for party leadership, leading to analyses that this party convention could effectively serve as a preliminary presidential primary.

On the 27th, during a meeting with reporters at the Democratic Party's elected officials workshop held at The-K Hotel in Seoul, Chairman Lee responded to media reports about his decision to run for party leadership by saying, "That is generally correct." After much deliberation under the 'party leadership and presidential candidacy separation rule,' Chairman Lee ultimately decided to take the path to the presidency by first securing party leadership.

It is reported that Chairman Lee made this decision by reflecting the internal party sentiment that leadership is needed to navigate the COVID-19 crisis. Considering the expanding suspicions related to elected official Yoon Mi-hyang within the party, Chairman Lee is reviewing plans to announce his candidacy as early as next week.

This party convention presents a rare opportunity to confirm Chairman Lee's support base within the party. Although various opinion polls have somewhat confirmed the 'Lee Nak-yeon momentum theory,' it has been difficult to verify support from party members who ultimately influence the presidential primary results.

In particular, the key issue is how much Chairman Lee, who is somewhat distant from the party mainstream 'Pro-Moon (Pro-Moon Jae-in)' faction, can attract their support. It is interpreted that his appeal during the dinner with elected officials right after the workshop, where he said, "I am Lee Nak-yeon, whom President Moon Jae-in and the First Lady voted for," was made with this in mind.

On the 25th, at Yonsei University Kim Dae-jung Library in Mapo-gu, Seoul, Kim Boo-kyum, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, is entering the joint academic conference held by the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation and Kim Dae-jung Library to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the passing of former Presidents Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun, and the 1st anniversary of the Panmunjom Declaration. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

Meanwhile, attention is also on whether Representative Kim Boo-kyum, considered a potential presidential candidate, will run for party leadership. Initially, Kim was leaning towards a direct presidential bid, but recently he has been reportedly reconsidering running for party leadership.

If Kim joins the race, the competition for party leadership is expected to be as intense as the presidential primary. Since presidential contenders would be facing off, the party convention is likely to take on the character of a preliminary presidential primary. However, there are concerns that the presidential hopefuls might inflict unnecessary wounds on each other over a 'seven-month' party leadership term.

Other strong candidates for party leadership include former floor leaders Woo Won-shik and Hong Young-pyo. Woo told reporters, "I met with Chairman Lee and expressed my intention to run for party leadership." He added, "There have been no changes in the situation, and I am continuing to prepare as I have been." Hong also hinted at his candidacy, saying, "My decision to run for party leadership is not influenced by others' decisions. If I have a clear reason why I should be party leader, I will run, and I do not decide based on whether a specific person runs or not."

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