Lee Eon-ju, a top member of the Democratic Party of Korea, announced that she will not run for Governor of Gyeonggi Province in the upcoming June 3 local elections next year. Instead, she expressed her intent to remain in the party leadership and support the success of the Lee Jae-myung administration. This decision puts an end to the speculation about a potential transition to an emergency committee within the party.
On the 30th, Lee stated on her Facebook page, “I concluded that my role is to stay in the party leadership, support the success of the Lee Jae-myung government, and firmly back talented colleagues for victory in the local elections next year.” She emphasized her commitment to further developing her capabilities and contributing to the party and her constituency.
Regarding the rumors about her potential gubernatorial candidacy, Lee acknowledged, “Many have inquired about my candidacy,” and although she was eager to dedicate herself to the development of Gyeonggi Province, she ultimately decided not to run. She also wished success to the fellow top members who were leaving to run for elections, indicating solidarity amid changes.
Her decision to not run and remain in the party leadership effectively ends the speculation about transitioning to an emergency committee, especially as many from the current leadership were considered potential candidates for local elections, which could have triggered such a transition according to party rules if a majority portion of the leadership were to vacate their positions. With Lee’s decision to stay, the “Jeong Cheong-rae leadership” will continue without transitioning to an emergency committee. The Democratic Party plans to fill any vacancies in its leadership through an election process in January next year.