Jeong Cheongrae: "Song Younggil Is the Only Sure Card for Yeonsu-gap... A Symbolic Figure of the Democratic Party"

"Kim Namjun, a Talent Who Will Support President Lee's Policy Philosophy"

On April 24, the Democratic Party of Korea, having completed its strategic nominations for the Incheon area in the by-elections being held concurrently with the 6·3 Nationwide Local Elections, convened an on-site Supreme Council meeting in Incheon to offer support. The previous day, the party’s Strategic Nomination Management Committee nominated former leader Song Young-gil as the candidate for Yeonsu Gap and former Blue House spokesperson Kim Nam-jun as the candidate for Gyeyang Eul.

At the on-site Supreme Council meeting held in Yeonsu District on this day, Party Leader Jeong stated, "Yeonsu District is not an easy area, so after careful consideration, we concluded that the only surefire option for victory here is Song Young-gil. Former leader Song is such a symbolic figure in our party that he needs no further introduction," he emphasized.

(Incheon=Yonhap News) Reporter Jae-man Bae = Jeong Cheong-rae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the election office of Jeong Ji-yeol, candidate for Mayor of Yeonsu District, Incheon, on the 24th. 2026.4.24 scoop@yna.co.kr (End)

Previously, former leader Song had served five terms representing Gyeyang Eul. Upon his return to the party, he expressed his desire to run again in this district. However, with lawmaker Park Chan-dae becoming the Democratic Party’s candidate for Mayor of Incheon and thus vacating the seat, the party nominated Song for this constituency.

Jeong continued, "Since my first term as a lawmaker in 2004, I have been active in Mapo Eul district. If someone told me, 'It's time for you to move on to a bigger place, to another constituency,' I can only imagine how I would feel. I thought about what it must be like for former leader Song to part ways with the residents of Gyeyang Eul, with whom he has shared joys and sorrows for 20 years."

He added, "However, a true leader is someone who willingly steps up to take on greater challenges and responsibilities where needed. I am grateful to former leader Song for wholeheartedly accepting the party’s decision."

Regarding former spokesperson Kim, he said, "How could one underestimate Kim Nam-jun’s contributions to making Lee Jae-myung president today? If he becomes a member of the National Assembly, he will be the kind of talent who can fully support the president’s vision for state affairs through legislation and institutional reform in the National Assembly."

Jeong remarked, "Looking at former spokesperson Kim brings up a mix of emotions. From President Lee’s days as Mayor of Seongnam, Kim was always close by, often working behind the scenes and supporting Lee Jae-myung as a shadow, making him stand out as a politician."

He continued, "I often accompanied former spokesperson Kim, and I remember seeing him following President Lee with a backpack stuffed full of things. He may not talk much, but he acts swiftly and is very decisive," he praised.

He went on to add, "I believe that in Gyeyang Eul, former spokesperson Kim will become both the voice and representative of the residents, and will help develop the district in line with the president’s philosophy for state affairs."

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