Resolute Expansion of Centrist Base, Concerns Over Primary Bias... 100 Days Since Song Young-gil's Party Leader Inauguration

Analysis of Causes Behind 4·7 By-Election Defeat
Apology for Cho Kuk Incident Amid Hypocrisy Criticism
Real Estate Full Survey Results
12 Problematic Lawmakers Urged to Leave Party
Continued Efforts to Win Over Moderate Voters

Leadership Issues Detected Ahead of Presidential Election
Candidate Backlash Over 'Isimsongsim' Controversy
Excessive Negative Campaigning Among Candidates Also a Problem

Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 2nd and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jin-young] "We must be able to change everything except the name 'Democratic'" (April 15, when declaring candidacy for party leader)

Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, who vowed to "change everything except the party name," marked his 100th day in office on the 9th. Elected as party leader after three attempts as a 'non-mainstream' rather than a pro-Moon Jae-in faction member, he demonstrated steadfast politics expanding the party's appeal to the center by apologizing for the Cho Kuk incident and conducting a full investigation into real estate speculation. However, controversies such as favoritism toward certain candidates during the primary remain challenges to overcome.

After taking office, he raised the issue of reform and began analyzing the causes of the April 7 by-election defeat. When "double standards" were pointed out as a factor, he personally apologized for the Cho Kuk incident. Despite backlash from hardline party members, he remained unfazed. Upon receiving the results of a full investigation into party lawmakers' real estate holdings commissioned to the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission, he made a bold decision to recommend the withdrawal of 12 problematic lawmakers.

Efforts to regain moderate voters who had defected continued. After taking office, Song visited the National Cemetery to pay respects at the tomb of the late President Park Chung-hee, writing, "I remember the President's dedication to self-reliant national defense, industrial development, and national progress." He also praised the achievements of the late President Park at meetings such as the Semiconductor Special Committee Technology Meeting and the Gadeokdo New Airport Meeting.

At last month's Kwanhun Forum, he referred to hardline supporters as 'Ddaekkaemun' and criticized them, saying, "The moment you think carelessly that you would rather vote for the opposition if a certain candidate wins the presidential primary, you cannot protect President Moon Jae-in." Recently, he opposed some party members' demands to suspend South Korea-U.S. joint military exercises, emphasizing trust between the two countries and advocating against postponement. Additionally, he has continued diplomatic efforts by urging North Korea-U.S. dialogue and planning a visit to the United States.

However, signs of trouble have been detected in Song's leadership ahead of the presidential election. From the confirmation of the party primary schedule, Song faced opposition from candidates other than Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung. Although he narrowly avoided difficulties by postponing the primary once, he has recently been embroiled in controversy over allegedly favoring Lee, known as the 'Lee Sim Song Sim' debate. Managing ongoing negative campaigning among primary candidates remains a challenge. On the 9th, at the Supreme Council meeting, Song emphasized, "The Democratic Party should not be an election-specialized organization that crosses the line with negative campaigning just to seize power, but should show the image of a capable ruling party that protects people's livelihoods."

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