In the first regional primary of the Democratic Party of Korea, Chungcheong Province, candidate Kim Min-seok narrowly defeated candidate Jeong Cheong-rae by 303 votes. Candidate Kim used a strategy that positioned him as "pro-Lee Jae-myung" while labeling candidate Jeong as "anti-Lee," and this is analyzed to have been effective in winning over voters in Chungcheong Province. Although candidate Jeong recorded a vote share of nearly 45%, demonstrating his strong support, his "trend as mainstream" strategy faltered for now. Candidate Song Young-gil received a vote share in the 10% range, raising the possibility that he could become a variable in the final runoff election. The fierce competition between candidates Kim and Jeong is expected to continue.
