As the countdown to the 6.3 presidential election begins, the Democratic Party of Korea is gearing up for a significant launch of its Central Election Countermeasures Committee (CECC) on April 30, 2025. The event, set to take place at 2 PM at the National Assembly, marks a pivotal moment for the party as it seeks to unify various factions under the leadership of its presidential candidate, Lee Jae-myung.
Lee, who has emphasized the theme of "unity" throughout his campaign, is expected to attract several notable figures from the conservative camp to join his election committee. This strategic move is seen as an effort to broaden his appeal beyond the traditional Democratic base, which has historically been skeptical of conservative leaders.
On April 28, 2025, Lee began his official campaign schedule with a visit to the National Seoul Cemetery, where he paid respects to former Presidents Lee Seung-man, Park Chung-hee, and Kim Young-sam, as well as Kim Dae-jung. This unprecedented gesture is interpreted as a bold attempt to reach out to conservative voters and demonstrate his commitment to national unity.
"Evaluations of these historical figures should be based on both their contributions and their faults, but what is urgent now is the unification of our people," Lee stated during a press conference after his visit. His remarks highlight his intention to transcend ideological divides and focus on collective progress.
In a significant appointment, Lee has named Yoon Yeo-joon, a former Minister of Environment known as a "conservative strategist," as the chairman of the Senior Election Committee. Yoon's experience in navigating the political landscape and his connections within the conservative faction are expected to bolster Lee's campaign strategy.
"I have always sought advice from Minister Yoon, and I am grateful that he has agreed to take on this important role," Lee remarked, underscoring the collaborative spirit he aims to foster within his campaign team.
Additionally, Kwon Oh-eul, a former lawmaker from the People Power Party, is anticipated to join the CECC. Kwon is aligned with the pro-Yoo Seong-min faction, further diversifying the committee's composition. His involvement is expected to strengthen Lee's foothold in the Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province regions, which are critical to the upcoming election.
Former Governors and lawmakers such as Kim Kyung-soo and Park Yong-jin, who have previously contested against Lee, are also rumored to be included in the CECC. This potential inclusion of figures from various factions within the Democratic Party indicates Lee's commitment to a truly inclusive campaign.
As the party prepares for the CECC launch, it is focusing on a personnel selection process that prioritizes competence over ideological alignment. "We are reaching out to capable individuals regardless of their political background or region," a party official stated, reflecting the inclusive approach Lee is advocating.
The Democratic Party's strategy for this election cycle is to engage its lawmakers actively in their respective districts, ensuring they connect with voters directly. A lawmaker involved in the campaign mentioned, "After realizing that some members were not attentive to their districts during the last election, we are all committed to focusing on voter outreach this time around." This shift is seen as a crucial step in regaining and maintaining support.
Lee's outreach efforts are not limited to formal appointments; he has also engaged with various conservative commentators and strategists, signaling his openness to collaboration across the political spectrum. This includes discussions with prominent figures such as Cho Gap-je and Jeong Kyu-jae, further indicating his commitment to a broad-based campaign.
In a notable moment, Lee's visit to the tomb of former Prime Minister Park Tae-joon, the founder of POSCO Group, was also significant. Park is remembered for his role in fostering unity between progressive and conservative factions during his tenure. Lee explained that this visit was suggested by Kim Min-seok, a member of the Supreme Council, who noted Park's symbolic importance in bridging divides.
Lee's campaign is characterized by a clear message of unity and collaboration, aiming to draw support from a diverse array of voters. He stated, "We must not allow past divisions and conflicts to dictate our future. Our focus should be on uniting as a nation and fulfilling the hopes of our citizens for a brighter future."
The Democratic Party's CECC is set to officially launch on April 30, 2025, with plans to gradually reveal its full lineup of personnel. This initiative comes as the party seeks to establish a strong foothold in the upcoming election, positioning itself as a unifying force in a politically polarized environment.
As the election approaches, Lee's strategy of inclusivity and outreach could prove pivotal in reshaping the political landscape and securing a broader base of support. With a solid internal backing of 89.77% among party members, the Democratic Party aims to maintain its competitive edge by expanding its appeal beyond traditional boundaries.
