On the second day of the 8.18 National Convention tour to decide the next leadership of the Democratic Party, candidate Lee Jae-myung recorded over 90% of the votes. Beginning with the first round of the tour, this candidate has been leading independently, solidifying the atmosphere of ‘EoDaeMyung’ (in the end, it’s Lee Jae-myung). Among the candidates for the top committee members, candidate Jeong Bong-joo led the pack.
During the joint rally, Lee emphasized his key policy of introducing basic income. He expressed concerns that high productivity through machinery takes away people’s jobs and creates extreme profits, which could threaten the economic system if there are not enough consumers for the high productivity to circulate. He argued that a portion of excessive profits must be spent to support people’s consumption to ensure stable consumption.
The first speaker, candidate Kim Doo-kwan, stated that he believes welfare without tax hikes is a fantasy and that tax breaks for the rich should not be allowed. He emphasized the need for the Democratic Party to return as a party for the middle class and working class. Candidate Kim Ji-soo mentioned the incident involving Choi Sang-byeong, saying that changing a society without accountability and safety nets is necessary to prevent future tragedies.
In the election for the top committee members, the only candidate from outside of Lee’s faction, Jeong Bong-joo, secured the lead with a vote share of 20.33%, continuing his position from the previous day. Following him were candidates Kim Byung-joo (18.14%), Jeon Hyeon-hee (14.88%), Kim Min-seok (12.48%), and Lee Eon-joo (12.14%), securing the 2nd to 5th spots eligible for election. Candidates Han Joon-ho (10.30%), Kang Seon-woo (6.40%), and Min Hyeong-bae (5.34%) remained in the lower positions. All the top committee candidates are classified as supporters of Lee Jae-myung.
The Democratic Party will select the party leader and five top committee members on August 18th at the National Convention after the nationwide tour. The final election results will be determined by combining the votes of the party members (14%), the rights-holding members (56%), and a public opinion poll (30% among Democratic Party supporters and non-affiliated individuals).