"The party representative is Jeong Cheong-rae" "Park Chan-dae is the real deal"
On Aug. 2, at the KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, where the Democratic Party of Korea convention was held, supporters of candidates Jeong Cheong-rae and Park Chan-dae (in order of ballot) energized the venue both inside and outside. Despite the heat wave exceeding 35 degrees Celsius, the venue was filled with cheers from supporters of each candidate and lines of party members.
The area in front of KINTEX, where the convention was held, was bustling from the morning. At 11 a.m., party members and supporters from various regions raised blue placards and cheering sticks. Long lines formed at booths, and volunteers handed out goodies, fans, and bottles of water, with banners containing messages of support for the candidates fluttering continuously.
Supporters of candidate Jeong Cheong-rae held placards with phrases such as 'party member sovereignty' and 'strong reform' and shouted at the top of their lungs, "The party representative is Jeong Cheong-rae." Others gathered in front of the venue to take group photos while cheering for Jeong.
A person surnamed Byeon (in her 40s), who introduced herself as a delegate, noted, "Candidate Jeong is a person who prioritizes the party over himself," adding, "Having put an end to the insurrection, he is someone who can implement strong reforms." She elaborated, "He fasted during the Sewol ferry incident, showing empathy for the people's pain, and although he lost in 2016, I began supporting him while watching him help during the elections across the country."
Regarding the election landscape, she said, "Among my acquaintances, local members of the National Assembly support candidate Park, but many delegates differ from the members' opinions," expressing her belief that the delegates would not fall behind in supporting Jeong. She also added, "The reactions to Minister Kang Sun-woo's resignation during the two candidates' responses likely affected the party's sentiments."
Supporters of candidate Park Chan-dae were waving handheld signs with phrases like 'proven party government team' and 'Park Chan-dae is the real deal' while cheering.
Lee Hyun-taek, a former Democratic Party deputy spokesperson, met at Park's booth and said, "The most critical keyword in this convention is the success of the Lee Jae-myung government," adding, "In that regard, it is important to protect President Lee when the administration faces difficulties. Candidate Park is the right person for that."
He stated, "It is true that Park is lagging in terms of recognition and the sentiments of party members," but predicted, "Many engaged party members who want to protect President Lee believe that Park Chan-dae is more suitable, so I expect him to win."
In front of KINTEX, prior to the official event at 2 p.m., party members crowded to purchase goodies.
At the merchandise shops, there were mugs, wristwatches, T-shirts, eco bags, and badges. Some T-shirt sizes were sold out. A person surnamed Lee (in her 40s) said, "The convention is a festival. It's a good plan to prepare these things for the party members." A party member surnamed Kim (in his 50s) from Gwanak District in Seoul noted, "It would be great to create a merchandise shop at the party's headquarters."
Immediately after the official program began, video congratulatory messages from President Lee Jae-myung and former President Moon Jae-in heightened the atmosphere of the venue. President Lee noted, "The Democratic Party is strongest when united," adding, "From this moment on, let us unite under the new leadership and move forward decisively toward a country where the people are the masters and where the people are happy." Former President Moon emphasized, "I hope the new leadership works in concert with the Lee Jae-myung government as partners in governance and gathers strength and wisdom for successful governance."
On this day, about 15,000 participants, according to Democratic Party estimates, attended the second national party convention held at Hall 10 of KINTEX. Around 2:50 p.m., when candidates Jeong Cheong-rae and Park Chan-dae appeared in the venue, huge applause and cheers erupted from various locations, and supporters were seen waving their hands repeatedly.
On this day, the Democratic Party will elect one party representative and one supreme council member during the convention, reflecting 55% from party member votes, 15% from delegate votes, and 30% from general opinion polls.