Jeong unveils “4 no·4 strong” rule ahead of June elections

Mar 09, 2026, 08:25 am

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Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheong-rae holds his second press conference since taking office at the National Assembly on March 8. / Song Eui-joo

Jeong Cheong-rae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), pledged to secure victory in the June 3 local elections through a nomination process guided by the principle of “four no’s and four strengths.”

Speaking at his second press conference since taking office, Jeong said the upcoming local elections would be a crucial opportunity to “eradicate insurrectionist forces and hold them accountable.”

“Winning the June 3 local elections is my top priority as party leader,” Jeong said on March 8 at the National Assembly. “For the success of the Lee Jae-myung administration, the Democratic Party must win this election. If something helps us win, we will do it. If it does not, we will not.”

Jeong described the elections as the final major task of his leadership and a key political test. Since becoming party leader in August last year, he has pushed forward major reforms under slogans such as eliminating insurrection forces, completing three major reforms, and strengthening party member sovereignty.

Under his leadership, the party passed legislation abolishing the Prosecutors’ Office and enacted several judicial reform bills, including those introducing the crime of judicial distortion, expanding the number of Supreme Court justices, and revising the Constitutional Court Act. The party also adopted the long-sought “one member, one vote” system.

“I have heard criticism that our reforms were too fast or too hardline,” Jeong said. “But I have tried to fulfill the promises we made to the public and party members. Having focused on reform so far, I will now lead the charge for victory in the local elections.”

Jeong said the key principle for candidate selection would be “four no’s and four strengths.”

The concept emphasizes:

- No unfair cutoffs in nominations

- No unqualified candidates

- No corruption in the nomination process

- No opaque procedures

At the same time, it aims to strengthen fairness, transparency, competitiveness and public acceptability in selecting candidates.

The Democratic Party plans to finalize all nominations by April 20, with Jeong stressing that the process would produce “the most competitive and optimal candidates” while ensuring that all participants accept the results.

The local elections also carry major implications for Jeong’s political future. Shortly after the elections, the Democratic Party will hold its national convention.

If Jeong secures reelection as party leader in August, he would gain significant influence over nominations for the 23rd general election, potentially strengthening his political standing heading toward the next presidential race.

During the press conference, Jeong also addressed controversial reform bills, including legislation related to regional administrative integration.

While supporting administrative integration in principle, he criticized the People Power Party (PPP) for shifting its stance and creating confusion over related legislation.

Currently, the PPP supports a special law for integrating Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province, while the Democratic Party insists that the integration of Daejeon and South Chungcheong Province should also move forward simultaneously.

“Administrative integration is a path we must take,” Jeong said. “But the PPP, which initially proposed the Daejeon–South Chungcheong integration, suddenly changed its stance and now opposes it. They are also wavering on the Daegu–North Gyeongsang plan. The responsibility lies with the PPP.”

He added that the party would continue coordinating internally to pass bills establishing the Major Crimes Investigation Office and the Public Prosecution Office, key elements of its prosecution reform agenda, despite opposition from some lawmakers within the party.

“Nothing is perfect,” Jeong said. “If shortcomings appear, the party can adjust them through legislation. Prosecutorial reform is the flag and symbol of both the Lee administration and the Democratic Party.”

#Jeong Cheong-rae #Democratic Party of Korea #local elections #nomination reform