Democratic Party holds emergency Supreme Council discussion over Song Young-gil's eligibility to run

7/16/2026

Controversy over Democratic Party candidate Song Young-gil's eligibility, emergency Supreme Council discusses convening the party affairs committee Quickly check the key points, including variables in the 8/17 party convention and issues over standards for reinstatement to the party

The leadership of the Democratic Party of Korea held an emergency Supreme Council meeting late on the 16th to discuss the controversy surrounding Rep. Song Younggil's eligibility to run in the party leadership election. Rep. Song registered as a candidate for party leader at the August 17 National Convention, but concerns were raised that, after leaving the party in 2023, he rejoined in February this year and therefore had not met the party rule requiring six months since rejoining. The Democratic Party rules grant voting and candidacy rights to duespaying members who have maintained party membership for a certain period, but if the Party Affairs Committee passes a resolution, candidacy rights may be recognized exceptionally. The Democratic Party's Supreme Council plans to further discuss on the 17th whether to hold a Party Affairs Committee meeting related to Rep. Song.