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Democratic Party leadership candidates Jeong Cheong-rae and Park Chan-dae (center), along with Supreme Council candidate Hwang Myeong-seon (right), greet supporters at the party’s Yeouido headquarters during an online joint rally for the Yeongnam region on July 20. / Source: Yonhap News

Jeong Cheong-rae and Park Chan-dae, candidates for the Democratic Party leadership, emphasized their alignment with President Lee Jae-myung’s vision during a joint campaign speech for the Yeongnam region held online on July 20. Both stressed the need to revive local party chapters and highlighted the ongoing damage caused by record rainfall across the country.

Jeong stated, “I’ve dreamed of becoming party leader under President Lee Jae-myung for the past three years. As someone who has been a political ally of President Lee for 20 years, I understand his thoughts even without being in the same room.” He added, “President Lee is candidate No. 1, and so is Jeong Cheong-rae. I am the No. 1 candidate who will lead the Democratic Party to victory.”

Recalling his past actions, Jeong said, “Even when I was cut off from nomination, I campaigned for our general election candidates. I fasted during the Sewol ferry tragedy and filibustered the anti-terror bill for 11 hours and 39 minutes. I always put the party first during difficult times.”

He pledged to revive local district chapters to strengthen grassroots party organization and promote regional talent, particularly in Yeongnam. “We’ll ensure fair primaries in local elections and eliminate unfair disqualifications,” he said.

On flood damage, he noted, “I’m doing everything I can to ensure the worst-hit areas are quickly declared special disaster zones,” vowing to visit affected communities personally.

Park highlighted his long-standing support for President Lee, stating, “President Lee believes politics must alleviate people’s suffering. If you ask what Lee most wants to do right now, it would be to roll up his sleeves and help rebuild collapsed homes in flood zones.”

“I was the person closest to President Lee. During the presidential campaign, I was told to campaign like Lee in places he couldn’t go. If he went west, I went east; if he went north, I went south,” Park said. “As floor leader, I secured 11 key parliamentary committees for the party, even in the face of resistance from the People Power Party.”

Park also vowed to complete major infrastructure projects in Yeongnam: the Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam megacity initiative, a one-hour metropolitan transport network, the relocation of maritime agencies to Busan, the AI-specialized city project in Ulsan, a global logistics hub, a Daegu cultural capital plan, and the integrated Daegu-Gyeongbuk airport.

He also called for the revival of local party chapters. “The Democratic Party in Yeongnam must not be left behind. We need a leader who will share both struggles and victories with the region,” Park said. “I am that leader. Trust Park Chan-dae for a strong, winning Democratic Party.”

Acting party leader and floor leader Kim Byung-ki also stressed the need to support flood-stricken areas. “Many citizens are suffering from the severe rainfall. I offer my deepest sympathies,” he said. “I visited the disaster site in Asan, South Chungcheong Province this morning. We will push for swift designation of special disaster zones and ensure strong support for Yeongnam as well.”

Kim added, “In this leadership election, we are choosing a team that will work with the Lee Jae-myung administration to end division and normalize the nation. Together, there is nothing to fear. Let us move forward and build new hope.”

Central Election Commission Chair Kim Jeong-ho explained the decision to shift the rally online due to the floods. “Given the urgent need for disaster recovery, many called for changes to the rally format,” he said. “We will compete fiercely but accept the results with grace. Let’s unite to build a stronger Democratic Party.”