Power dynamics within the ruling bloc are shaken ahead of the Democratic Party convention

The Democratic Party of Korea is experiencing internal strife ahead of the August party leadership election. On the surface, it is a conflict surrounding party leader Jung Chungrae, but the article interprets it as a power struggle between the new mainstream centered on President Lee Jaemyung and the traditional mainstream represented by the proRoh and proMoon factions. President Lee Jaemyung has continued to make remarks raising the issue of responsibility for Leader Jung after the local elections, and some in the proLee camp are demanding Jung’s resignation and that he not run in the party convention. Leader Jung appeared to acknowledge responsibility for the election results, but has left open the possibility of running for a second term. Inside and outside the party, other proLee figures such as Prime Minister Kim Minseok are being mentioned as candidates for the next party leadership. At the same time, progovernment supporters, online communities, and the YouTube sphere are also showing signs of splitting over President Lee Jaemyung and Leader Jung Chungrae. The article says this trend could go beyond a simple party leadership contest and lead to a reorganization of generations and factions within the Democratic Party.