Key facts
- Former Prime Minister Kim Min-seok announced his candidacy for the leadership of the ruling Democratic Party (DP).
- Kim stated his intention to reform the party to ensure the success of the Lee Jae Myung administration.
- He expressed concern that the DP has not effectively translated public approval for the current administration into party support or electoral victories.
- Kim warned of potential defeat in the next general elections if the party leadership does not change.
- The DP is scheduled to hold a convention on August 17 to elect a new chairperson and members of the Supreme Council.
Former Prime Minister Kim Min-seok has announced his candidacy for the leadership of South Korea's ruling Democratic Party (DP). Kim, a four-term lawmaker, declared his intention on Monday in Gwangju, a traditional stronghold for the liberal party. He vowed to reform the DP to ensure the success of President Lee Jae Myung's administration.
Kim expressed concern that the party has failed over the past year to convert public approval for the Lee administration into party support and electoral success, despite winning 12 of 16 mayoral and gubernatorial seats in the June 3 local elections. He stressed the need to restore the DP as a "capable, strong and winning party" and warned that without a change in leadership, the party could face defeat in the next general elections.
The ruling party is scheduled to hold a convention on August 17 to elect its new chairperson and members of the Supreme Council. Kim, a key political ally of President Lee, served as prime minister from July 2025 until last week. He is expected to compete against Rep. Jung Chung-rae, who recently stepped down as DP leader to seek re-election, and Rep. Song Young-gil, a former party chairman.