South Korea's Prime Minister Kim Min-seok (L) speaks with ruling Democratic Party leader Jung Chung-rae at a consultative meeting among the ruling party, the government and the presidential office, held at the prime minister's residence in Seoul, South Korea. Photo by YONHAP / EPA
July 2 (Asia Today) -- Rivalry among candidates seeking to lead South Korea's ruling Democratic Party is expected to intensify in the National Assembly despite public calls for unity from President Lee Jae Myung and former President Moon Jae-in.
Former Prime Minister Kim Min-seok and former party chairs Song Young-gil and Jung Chung-rae have all emphasized party unity ahead of the Aug. 17 national convention. Their recent exchanges, however, suggest tensions surrounding the leadership race have not subsided.
The contest is developing into a three-way race among Kim, Song and Jung, each of whom has presented himself as a supporter of the Lee administration while drawing support from different groups within the party.
Jung wrote on Facebook Thursday that Lee had emphasized internal unity while Moon had called for integration and reconciliation.
