Jung Chung-rae backs Lee's local election assessment, vows 'objective' party review

Democratic Party of Korea leader Jung Chung-rae on Wednesday said he shares President Lee Jae Myung's assessment of the June 3 local elections and announced plans to publish an official party white paper with a frank diagnosis of the results.

Speaking at a Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly, Jung said the party would establish an evaluation committee to produce the white paper. "We will form a committee to coldly assess both achievements and shortcomings and publish a white paper," he said, adding that the panel would be composed equally of internal and external figures "to incorporate diverse analyses from the most objective perspective possible."

Jung pledged to treat the criticism and reproach that emerged during the election as an opportunity for reflection and improvement. "We will further strengthen the party, government and presidential office as one team with one voice, and steadfastly support the success of the Lee Jae Myung administration alongside capable local governments," he said.

Earlier, President Lee addressed the June 3 local election results at a press conference marking his first anniversary in office on June 8, saying the outcome was "at least not a success" and that losing races the party should have won was "a different kind of problem."

Meanwhile, Jung offered his full support for President Lee's eight-night, 10-day European tour, which began Tuesday. "Through President Lee's exceptional diplomatic capabilities and achievements, South Korea is building a strong reputation in the international community," Jung said, expressing hope that the president would "return home in triumph after opening new horizons for national-interest diplomacy and pragmatic diplomacy."