Jung Chung-rae, who lost the party leader election at the Democratic Party of Korea's Aug. 17 national convention, said on the 17th, "We lost by the numbers, but our values and our passion did not lose."
After the third regular national party members' convention ended that day, the lawmaker met with reporters and stated accordingly, "I ask Kim Min-seok, as the new party leader, to do well," adding the above.
He continued, "I am deeply grateful to the party members and supporters who have shown tearful support and love for Jung Chung-rae, and to the party members across the country who shouted 'Aljeongjjik (Got it, I'll vote for Jung Chung-rae),'" and said, "Watching the party members, I had many regrets and reflections that I should have worked harder."
He also said, "To regain power, we must win the general election and the presidential election, but if you exclude this person and that person, with whom are we supposed to win the general election?" and added, "The path we must take is to win the general and presidential elections by expanding and reforming the Democratic Party through a unification alliance of the broad democratic and progressive forces to win the hearts of the people."
He added, "It seems we lost not because my argument was wrong, but because the candidate was lacking," and said, "Candidate Jung Chung-rae lost, but the dues-paying party members and all of you who supported candidate Jung Chung-rae won. As I said on the stump, I will weave your tears into straw sandals and steadily move forward."