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Democratic Party leadership candidates Jung Chung-rae (far left) and Park Chan-dae, and Supreme Council candidate Hwang Myung-seon (center), pose after signing a clean campaign pledge at the National Assembly on July 15. / Photo by Song Ui-joo

Candidates for the Democratic Party’s leadership have officially begun their campaigns, vowing to uphold fair election practices through a "clean campaign pledge" ceremony held at the National Assembly on July 15.

Party leader hopefuls Jung Chung-rae and Park Chan-dae, along with Supreme Council candidate Hwang Myung-seon, signed a pledge committing to ethical and transparent conduct throughout the race.

The pledge outlines a strict prohibition on spreading false information, bribery, offering entertainment, slander, negative campaigning, and stoking regional division. It also includes commitments to respect the party charter and rulings from the central election committee, to accept election results, and to foster a unified and respectful competition where all candidates emerge as winners.

Kim Byung-ki, the party’s interim leader and floor leader, stated, “We are establishing a leadership team that will dedicate itself to the success of the Lee Jae-myung administration. These candidates deeply understand and embody the administration’s philosophy.” He emphasized that the Democratic Party has always stood as a “melting pot of unity and victory,” saying, “In our convention, there are no losers — we all win together.”

Kim added, “United, we overcame an insurrection and won the presidential election. The Democratic Party will honor the mandate of the people and our members, devoting ourselves fully. Those present today are at the heart of that mission, and I urge them to give it their all. The party will stand with them.”

Kim Jung-ho, chair of the party’s Central Election Committee, also pledged to ensure transparency and fairness. “This is a promise to our citizens and party members to run a clean and dignified election. We will manage this race impartially to advance the restoration of democracy and recovery of people’s livelihoods after the insurrection,” he said. “The leadership elected on August 2 will help shape a renewed Republic of Korea under the Lee Jae-myung administration.”

Candidate Jung Chung-rae is set to follow a packed schedule, including a broadcast interview, a confirmation hearing for Defense Minister nominee Ahn Gyu-baek, a policy signing event with a public sector union, the Osong tragedy memorial service, and a town hall event in North Chungcheong Province. Park Chan-dae will also stay busy, holding a press conference on party and political reform, attending the confirmation hearing of Veterans Minister nominee Kwon Oh-eul, meeting with representatives from KODIT and global firms, giving media interviews, and hosting a forum for small business members.