In the first TV debate on the 16th, candidates Jeong Cheong-rae and Park Chan-dae (in order of their numbers) running for the leadership of the Democratic Party of Korea faced off. As the first public debate ahead of the 8.2 national convention and regional preliminary elections, a fierce competition for clarity aimed at party members' opinions unfolded.
During the debate broadcast live on SBS News Briefing, the two candidates openly expressed their positions on ▲ the method for promoting prosecution reform ▲ local election strategies ▲ the concept of a party with member sovereignty ▲ cooperation with opposition parties ▲ the establishment of government-party relationships. Both sides shared a consensus on the basic direction but showed subtle differences in speed, form, and priorities.
◇ Jeong Cheong-rae and Park Chan-dae: "Prosecution reform is possible in August and September."
Prosecution reform was the key issue of the debate that day. Both candidates spoke in unison about the prompt promotion of prosecution reform.
Candidate Park Chan-dae stated, "The law has already been drafted, and the direction is set. The bill has passed the judiciary committee and the plenary session. As soon as we make a decision, it can happen in August or September," emphasizing strong momentum.
Previously, hardline members of the Democratic Party proposed the 'Four Laws for the Dissolution of the Prosecution,' including ▲ the law to abolish the prosecution office ▲ the law to establish a public prosecution agency ▲ the law to establish a serious crime investigation agency ▲ and the law for a national investigation commission. The core idea is to limit the prosecutor's duties to prosecution and maintenance of charges. The Supreme Public Prosecutors' Office and local prosecution offices will be abolished, and a public prosecution agency for indictment will be established to assume those roles, transferring investigative authority to the serious crime investigation agency and police. It also includes the establishment of a national investigation commission to oversee and supervise these investigative agencies.
Candidate Park mentioned, "I will put prosecution reform on the table during this year's Chuseok (October 5-8)" indicating that the legislative timing could be advanced.
Candidate Park said, "Since there is public consensus and party position is already established, there is no need for a task force now. We just need to make a decision. The party leader can handle this with strong leadership. Prosecution reform has already formed a consensus between the Democratic Party and the government, and all legislation is in place. We will push it forward as quickly and powerfully as possible according to party positions to ensure good news by Chuseok in August and September."
Candidate Jeong also agreed, saying, "I have 100% aligned opinions." However, he added, "There needs to be time for physical preparation, such as the separation of duties, relocation, and how to use the buildings at local police agencies, so I think there should be a grace period of about a year, even if the prosecution reform law is passed at the end of August or the end of September."
◇ Winning strategy for local elections… "Expanding the centrist group" vs "Prioritizing fair nomination rules"
Both candidates agreed that next year's local elections are a prelude to reclaim the regime, but candidate Park presented 'organization strength and expansion' as a core strategy, while candidate Jeong suggested 'fair rules', indicating a divergence.
Candidate Park stated, "If I become the party leader, I will immediately launch a local election planning committee and create nomination rules that can properly reward long-serving contributors," adding, "I will ensure that the local elections do not become uncertain due to unpredictable nomination rules." He also mentioned plans to launch a task force to monitor the implementation of presidential promises and ensure the execution of locally customized pledges.
In particular, he emphasized, "We need to expand into Chungcheong, Gangwon, and the Yeongnam regions as well," underscoring his commitment to centrist expansion.
Candidate Jeong stated, "To win the local elections, I will eliminate unfair cut-offs. Creating fair nomination rules that everyone can accept is a prerequisite for victory."
◇ Blueprint for a party with member sovereignty: "Introducing one person, one vote and holding member concerts" vs "Reforming the operational structure"
Both candidates emphasized the realization of a party with member sovereignty and presented their respective blueprints.
Candidate Jeong stated, "For many years, I have argued for a party where members are the owners," proposing the introduction of 'one person, one vote' as a core pledge. He emphasized, "When electing the president, members of the National Assembly, and the head of a council, it is one person, one vote, but in the election for the leader of the Democratic Party, rights voters and delegates have a ratio of 1:17." He added, "If I become the leader, I will immediately establish the Member Sovereignty Bureau to begin amending the party constitution for the era of one person, one vote."
Additionally, he stated that he would hold an end-of-year party member concert and award outstanding members and local heads, emphasizing, "I will restore the pride of being a Democratic Party member."
In response, candidate Park countered, "To realize a truly sovereign party, we must open paths for members to actively participate in party operations and decision-making, rather than merely resorting to one-time or popularity-seeking event promises and various events that involve members." He emphasized five major pledges for party reform, including ▲ reflecting member evaluations in nomination reviews ▲ party consent for strategic nominations ▲ introducing a public election system for internal elections (increasing support for election expenses, establishing refund criteria linked to vote share) ▲ expanding transparency in member assembly meetings ▲ and building a digital party platform.
◇ The 'People Power Party is subject to unconstitutional party dissolution judgment' showing a temperature gap
Regarding relations with the opposition parties, including the People Power Party, the candidates' positions diverged the most.
Candidate Jeong stated, "Words like cooperation, stability, and integration are terms for the president, and the party should take on the unpleasant and arduous roles to make that happen," adding, "Cooperation is done with rational people. I will break through any unreasonable obstinacy and interference," in reference to candidate Park's statements.
Candidate Jeong also emphasized, "Based on the example of the Unified Progressive Party, the People Power Party could become a target for unconstitutional party dissolution judgment," stressing that he proposed an amendment that would enable the National Assembly to decide on a constitutional dissolution trial.
In response, candidate Park stated, "I mentioned that I cannot give up on cooperation, and while pursuing cooperation, I will firmly cut off transactions. When I was the floor leader, I adhered to the principles I set during the organization." He emphasized, "The party leader of the ruling party must maintain perseverance and not forsake cooperation with opposition parties, but to be a partner in cooperation, they must first apologize and reflect."
However, regarding the unconstitutional party dissolution judgment, he replied, "I believe that the special investigation into rebellion will adequately address the responsibility for the rebellion. I think we need to observe that process sufficiently," adding that "I believe it is entirely possible under the current constitution and laws."
◇ Park Chan-dae: "I can tell just by looking at President Lee's eyes." Jeong Cheong-rae: "I can tell without looking at his eyes."
During the debate, both candidates showcased their close relationships with President Lee Jae-myung.
Candidate Park stated, "I have a deep understanding with President Lee Jae-myung just by looking into his eyes. I know better than anyone when President Lee wishes for dialogue or conflict," indicating that he aims to manage cooperation with opposition parties based on a smooth relationship with the government.
Candidate Jeong countered, saying, "Park claims he knows just by looking at the eyes, but because I have spent around 20 years with President Lee, I understand even without looking."
In response to the moderator's question, 'Can you be a ruling party leader who can offer constructive criticism to the president?' candidate Park stated, 'Over the past five years, I have worked with President Lee in various capacities including chief spokesperson, secretary, supreme committee member, floor leader, acting party leader, and head of the campaign committee. We overcame numerous dangers and established the Lee Jae-myung government. Without even speaking, we can understand each other's wants and deeply empathize with one another.' He continued, 'If there are necessary constructive criticisms for the president, I can candidly express them. Whatever I may say, the president will appreciate my sincerity and weigh it seriously.'
Candidate Jeong replied, 'I will move in sync with President Lee. I will dedicate myself to the success of the Lee Jae-myung government. While I will speak constructively when needed, I will only strive for success.'
During the debate, both candidates praised each other, calling each other "the closest comrade and a truly admired politician," noting that "an outstanding leadership was shown during the presidency of the legislative committee."
However, when candidate Park said, 'The real person who will help President Lee is Party Leader candidate number 2, the real Park Chan-dae,' candidate Jeong retorted, 'Does that mean you are calling me a fake party leader candidate?' which led to subtle tensions in their exchange.
Both candidates believe that the TV debate could influence future voting. The voting ratio for rights party members in this Democratic Party convention is the largest at 55%, followed by public opinion polls (30%) and delegate votes (15%).
The Democratic Party will continue its remaining two TV debates on July 23 on JTBC 'Odareung Live' and on July 29 on MBC '100 Minutes Debate.' These debates will coincide with the regional preliminary election schedule, which will be kicked off starting with Chungcheong on the 19th.