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Democratic Party lawmakers Park Chan-dae and Jung Chung-rae have officially launched their campaigns for party leadership, competing to win over party members ahead of the election to select the next ruling party leader under the Lee Jae-myung administration.

Both candidates are highlighting the slogan “success of the government,” making clear that their bids are closely tied to President Lee’s leadership. With the new party leader expected to work closely with the presidential office, their alignment with Lee’s vision is under scrutiny.

Appearing on SBS Radio’s Kim Tae-hyun’s Political Show on June 25, Rep. Park responded to Rep. Jung’s earlier metaphor comparing himself to an “infighter” and Park to an “outboxer.” Park said, “Maybe an infighter is more suitable in opposition, but now that we are the ruling party, we need an outboxer. The leader of the ruling party must be strategic and precise.”

He also emphasized his longstanding relationship with President Lee. “I’ve served as Lee Jae-myung’s chief spokesperson, chief of staff, supreme council member, floor leader, and campaign chair. That ‘one-team’ spirit we built over the past four years must carry over to ensure this government’s success,” he said.

Meanwhile, Jung expressed confidence in his combative political style. “A well-prepared infighter always wins,” he declared on Facebook. “As chair of the Judiciary Committee, I achieved results with impact. As a Constitutional Court impeachment prosecutor, I handled the process with seriousness and helped remove Yoon Suk-yeol. During the presidential campaign, I led with cheerful energy. This infighter never left an opening.”

He added, “Outboxing is for times of peace. In a war against insurrectionist forces, we need a strong infighter.”