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Park Chan-dae, former floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, announces his candidacy for party leader at the DP headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, on June 23. / Source: Lee Byung-hwa, Yonhap News

Park Chan-dae, former floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea (DP), officially declared his candidacy for party leader on June 23, pledging to remain steadfast by President Lee Jae-myung’s side.

“From now on, it’s my turn to protect Lee Jae-myung,” Park said during a press conference at the DP’s headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul. “A proven one-team will fulfill the tasks assigned to the Lee Jae-myung administration and the Democratic Party,” he added.

Park emphasized that the first DP leadership under the Lee administration must uphold “competent reform politics” and support the president’s pledges of “righteous unity” and “pragmatic flexibility.” He stressed the importance of a “true one-team” approach, where the government prioritizes unity and pragmatism, while the ruling party focuses on reform—working in close coordination on direction and timing.

“We need someone who is capable yet humble, principled yet flexible. I believe I am that person,” he asserted.

Park outlined his key pledges: mobilizing party capacity for the success of the Lee administration, supporting special counsel investigations to fully end the national unrest, completing reforms of the prosecution, judiciary, and media, maintaining checks and cooperation with the opposition, realizing a system of party member sovereignty, and securing a sweeping victory in the 2026 local elections.

He also highlighted his longstanding alliance with President Lee. “During the 2022 presidential election, I served as Lee’s chief spokesperson. From his election defeat to hunger strikes, arrest threats, and even the knife attack—his crises were my crises, and his challenges were mine.”

“While I’m proud to have led reform efforts as floor leader, Lee Jae-myung has always stood like a towering tree beside me,” Park said.

Calling for unity, he added, “I ask all citizens and party members to join the Lee-Park one-team, the true party-government alliance. Just as we marched together from Yeouido to Gwanghwamun calling for Yoon Suk-yeol’s ouster, I want to walk with you again to complete the revolution of light.”

However, when asked about President Lee’s stance on the party leadership race, Park declined to elaborate. “President Lee’s heart is with the people,” he said, “and wherever the people’s will lies, so does his.”

The Democratic Party will elect its new leader on August 2. The election will reflect votes as follows: 15% from delegates, 55% from dues-paying party members, and 30% from the general public.