Chung Cheong-rae, leader of South Korea's ruling Democratic Party (DP), is facing calls from within the party to resign. After the party failed to win key positions, including the Seoul mayoralty in the local elections held on the 3rd, multiple DP lawmakers have demanded Chung step down to take responsibility.
During a closed-door meeting of the DP on the 11th, several party lawmakers openly pressured Chung to resign immediately.
National Assembly member Jang Cheol-min said that the DP's loss in the Seoul mayoral race was a double defeat, both politically and emotionally. He added that if the party National Convention in August is to be held in a spirit of unity, Chung should step down as party leader at once.
Senior National Assembly member Park Ji-won called for the entire party leadership to resign as a group and not seek re-election.
Faced with criticism, Chung did not make a direct response and told the media only that he had listened to the opinions raised.
While attending an event in Gwangju, he said the Democratic Party would continue to act as one team, speak with one voice, and fully support President Lee Jae-myung’s administration.
The DP is set to hold its National Convention on August 17th to elect a new leadership. There is widespread speculation that Chung hopes to seek re-election, while outgoing Prime Minister Kim Min-seok may emerge as a strong contender.