Ex-PM Kim Min-seok has been elected as the new leader of South Korea’s Democratic Party, marking a decisive shift in the party’s direction and bolstering President Lee Jae Myung’s influence within the ruling coalition. The election took place at the party’s national convention in Daejeon on Monday, where Kim secured 54.08 percent of the combined votes, defeating his main rival, former party chair Rep. Jung Chung-rae, who received 45.92 percent. The result was determined through a ranked-choice voting system, with second-choice votes for eliminated candidate Rep. Song Young-gil, considered an ally of Kim, factored into the final tally. The election process incorporated votes from over 1.52 million eligible dues-paying members, with a turnout of 50.35 percent, alongside ballots cast by more than 17,000 party delegates, achieving an 80.98 percent participation rate. Public opinion polls were also included in the calculation, ensuring a comprehensive reflection of the party’s internal dynamics. Kim’s victory solidifies his position as the dominant force within the party, setting the stage for a stronger alignment with President Lee’s agenda moving forward. Kim’s two-year term as party chair begins immediately following his election. His tenure will coincide with the preparation for the 2028 general elections, during which he will play a central role in shaping the party’s strategy. With his leadership, President Lee is expected to have increased authority over the ruling bloc, reducing tensions between the party and the presidential office that occasionally flared under the previous leadership. The consolidation of power within the party is anticipated to streamline decision-making and enhance coordination between the executive and legislative branches. The election also saw a notable realignment within the party’s leadership structure. The Supreme Council, the party’s nine-member decision-making body, will see Kim exert considerable influence. As the party chair, he will appoint two members to the council, giving him direct control over key positions. Pro-Lee candidates Rep. Park Sun-won and Rep. Seo Mi-hwa secured seats on the council with 17.57 percent and 16.60 percent of the vote, respectively, further entrenching the pro-Lee faction’s dominance. Meanwhile, Rep. Choi Min-hee, aligned with the pro-Jung faction, emerged as the senior elected member of the council with 18.35 percent, positioning herself as the party’s third-ranking figure. Other pro-Jung candidates, Reps. Han Min-soo and Lee Sung-yoon, also gained seats on the council, securing 15.86 percent and 16.30 percent of the vote. These results underscore the continued division within the party, despite the clear victory of the pro-Lee camp. Kim Yong, a long-time aide to President Lee, narrowly missed out on a council seat, receiving 15.26 percent of the vote. However, the withdrawal of two other pro-Lee candidates, Reps. Kim Young-ho and Lim Mi-ae, prior to the final count, did not significantly alter the overall trend toward a pro-Lee majority. Following his victory, Kim addressed the party members, pledging to strengthen ties with the presidential office while maintaining a “creatively horizontal” approach that balances cooperation and autonomy. He also expressed willingness to work with his political rivals, including former leader Jung Chung-rae, to address external criticisms and unify the party’s message. Jung, in turn, issued an apology to his supporters, acknowledging that although they had lost the contest numerically, they had achieved recognition for their values and dedication. In the days following the election, Kim traveled to Geoje, South Gyeongsang Province, to assess damage caused by recent severe weather conditions, demonstrating his commitment to addressing both political and social challenges. On Tuesday, he is set to meet with President Lee’s senior advisors at the National Assembly, further cementing his role as a key player in the upcoming political landscape.
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