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Kim Yun-deok, Secretary-General of the Democratic Party, speaks at a press conference at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on April 6. / Source: Yonhap News

As the early presidential election approaches, the Democratic Party (DP) is witnessing a dynamic race. Party leader Lee Jae-myung is currently the frontrunner, but several non-mainstream figures are emerging as challengers.

On April 6, political sources indicated that Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is expected to announce the election date during the cabinet meeting on April 8, with June 3 being a likely choice. Lee Jae-myung is anticipated to resign from his leadership position to focus on his campaign. Despite his strong support from loyal party members, concerns about his public image and appeal to centrist voters persist.

Potential challengers from the non-mainstream faction include former Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum, Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon, former lawmaker Kim Du-kwan, and former South Gyeongsang Province Governor Kim Kyung-soo. Notably, Kim Du-kwan is scheduled to announce his candidacy on April 7, while Kim Boo-kyum has expressed his intention to run, emphasizing the importance of a competitive primary to engage the public.

Conversely, former lawmaker Park Yong-jin has decided not to run, stating his commitment to supporting the party's unity and efforts for a successful election outcome.

The party is also deliberating on its primary rules, considering options like a '50% party members and 50% general public' electoral college or a fully open primary. While some candidates favor an open primary to broaden participation, no final decision has been made. DP Secretary-General Kim Yun-deok indicated that discussions on the primary process would proceed following the confirmation of the election date and leadership arrangements.