The significance of the Democratic Party of Korea's 21st presidential primary lies in its demonstration of the ruling party's 'one-person dominance' system. Candidate Lee Jae-myung secured 90% of the votes, while the total vote ratio of the two competitors was only 10%. The primary rules were also changed to favor this candidate. However, negativity was restrained, preventing a second 'myeong-nak war', and there was an active decision to adopt the pledges of the candidates from the faction opposing Lee. Given the avoidance of extreme confrontation, it is also evaluated that the two candidates have laid a foundation to strengthen their positions within the party.
According to the Democratic Party of Korea on the 27th, candidates Kim Dong-yeon and Kim Kyeong-soo recorded final vote ratios of 6.87% and 3.36%, respectively, at the Democratic Party of Korea's presidential primary held that day at KINTEX in Goyang. They did not mention any controversies related to this candidate's trial risks and focused solely on policy differentiation and informing the vision. They emphasized the 'one team' strategy in both regional primary speeches and TV debates.
The points of contention among the three candidates in this primary were limited to ▲tax increase ▲transfer of the presidential office ▲constitutional amendment. Although there remains a final judgment regarding this candidate's alleged violation of the Public Official Election Act, no related disputes occurred. The party also held a 'pledge ceremony for fair elections.' This was ostensibly to promote policy competition, but in reality, it served as pressure not to shake the winds of 'Eun-dae-myeong'. There were evaluations that the excitement of the primary and the sense of tension decreased.
In the Democratic Party of Korea, there have been calls for overwhelming support for this candidate in the early presidential election following impeachment. This trend has solidified the 'Lee Jae-myung one-person dominance system.' This is why candidates from opposing factions found it structurally difficult to seek a breakthrough. They also failed to prove policy differentiation or competitiveness.
At least, candidate Kim Dong-yeon was the first to mention 'tax increase' in the presidential election landscape, publicly criticizing the tax cut competition among political circles, including this candidate. It is expected that a trend warning against reckless tax cuts will be established in the upcoming presidential election. Candidates from both parties have also adopted pledges such as '4.5-day work week' and 'building 10 facilities in Seoul,' which are in trial operation in Gyeonggi Province. However, it is commonly viewed that they did not present any new discourse.
There are also evaluations that they avoided extreme confrontation by restraining negativity. The 'myeong-nak war' (Lee Jae-myung and Lee Nak-yon) from the 20th presidential primary is a representative example. Although it succeeded in its popularity, the party suffered from prolonged factional conflicts. In the 2017 primary, supporters of former President Moon Jae-in sent '18 won' donations and flood of text messages or posted attacking comments against this candidate. Former President Moon's remark that 'it adds spice to the competition' sparked controversy. Such internal strife solidified the confrontation structure between pro-Moon and pro-myeong factions, igniting the fuse for the 'non-myeong crisis nomination' in the 22nd general election.
The fact that the two minimized conflicts with this candidate can be read as a strategy to build a foundation within the party. Kim Dong-yeon, the current governor of Gyeonggi Province, is widely expected to challenge for re-election in the local elections scheduled for June 3 next year. Since this candidate actively adopted Kim's representative pledges, an opportunity to solidify his policy position was gained. This candidate also built up his stature by serving as the mayor of Seongnam and governor of Gyeonggi Province in the past.
Candidate Kim Kyeong-soo emphasized local autonomy such as the transfer of the administrative capital to Sejong City based on his 'pro-Noh and pro-Moon' image. It is similar to this candidate's pledges. The pro-Moon faction has deep divisions with support for this candidate, but Kim intentionally avoided such conflicts during the primary process. Kim may aim to secure re-election as governor of Gyeongsangnam-do in next year's local elections or seek party leadership during the national convention. There are also discussions about him possibly taking a role in this candidate's campaign during the main election.
In his speech that day, candidate Kim Dong-yeon said, "From today, let us unite more strongly as the Democratic Party of Korea," adding, "Regardless of who becomes the presidential candidate, I will do my best for an overwhelming change of power and the success of the fourth democratic government." Candidate Kim Kyeong-soo also stated, "I will campaign as though it is my election for the success of Lee Jae-myung as the candidate, the victory of the Democratic Party of Korea, the overwhelming change of power, and our collective victory." This candidate remarked in his acceptance speech, "From now on, Kim Dong-yeon's vision is Lee Jae-myung's vision, and Kim Kyeong-soo's dream is Lee Jae-myung's dream."