Overview
- Rep. Jung Chung-rae resigned from the party chairmanship, saying he had spent many sleepless nights reflecting and that he devoted his term to backing President Lee and party‑government coordination.
- DP floor leader Han Byung-do was named acting party leader and will run the party while contenders prepare for the convention scheduled in mid‑August.
- The race is shaping into a likely three‑way contest among Jung, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok who is close to Lee, and former party leader Song Young‑gil.
- Lawmakers reported that Song told President Lee he plans to run and suggested a possible candidacy unification with Kim, a detail described in reporting as unconfirmed.
- Internal criticism from pro‑Lee members that Jung favored hard‑line supporters has sharpened factional tensions and created a short, intense campaign window that could affect how the party and presidential office coordinate policy and public messaging.