South Korea Democratic Party turmoil after leader resignation

On June 24 the Democratic Party of Korea announced the resignation of its chair, moving the party into a preparatory phase for a leadership election. The resignation sparked an open clash between the Lee Jae‑myung‑aligned (친명) faction and the Jeong Cheong‑rae‑aligned (친청) faction. Senior figures such as Kang Deok‑goo and Moon Jeong‑bok publicly criticised each other, calling for unity while accusing the other of undermining the president.

Former party head Jeong Cheong‑rae, speaking at the 2026 Seoul International Book Fair, labelled the government's plan to abolish the supplemental investigation authority a “time‑dragging trick.” Lee‑aligned members rebuked him, demanding “integrated language and dignity.” The dispute unfolds ahead of upcoming local elections and the party’s 2026 congress, highlighting intra‑party tensions over prosecutorial reform and the party’s future direction.