DPK leadership hopefuls put presidential alignment, youth at center

Rep. Koh Min-jung entered the Democratic Party of Korea leadership race on Wednesday, joining Rep. Song Young-gil and former Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, with Rep. Jung Chung-rae expected to follow. Candidates are focusing on winning back younger voters and aligning with the presidential office ahead of the Aug. 17 convention, which will elect a new leader and Supreme Council under the Lee Jae Myung administration.

What was expected to be a three-way race for the ruling Democratic Party of Korea DPK leadership gained an unexpected entrant Wednesday, as Rep. Koh Min-jung declared her candidacy, joining Rep. Song Young-gil and former Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, who announced his bid Monday. Rep. Jung Chung-rae, who stepped down as party chair last month, is also expected to formally enter the race in the coming days. Candidates have highlighted two themes: winning back younger voters and bringing the party into closer alignment with the presidential office ahead of the Aug. 17 convention, which will elect a new leader and Supreme Council to serve a two-year term under the Lee Jae Myung administration. Song, a former DPK leader and six-term lawmaker, made youth representation the centerpiece of his pledge, saying "Without the support from those in their 20s and 30s, we cannot win the presidential election in 2030." "If elected party leader, I will appoint two designated Supreme Council members in their 20s and 30s and establish a 2030 Special Committee and platform to give younger voices direct par