Democratic Party of Korea leader Jung Chung-rae announced Wednesday he would step down from the party's top post, effectively setting the stage for a bid to reclaim the leadership.
Speaking at a Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly, Jung said Wednesday's session would be "the last" he chairs as party leader. "I will step down from the position of party leader," he said.
Jung said he had spent several sleepless nights reflecting on himself and his political career. "We must reform, and reform again," he said. "We must seriously consider unity and solidarity for victory in the next general election and the recapture of government."
Jung was elected party leader in a by-election held in August last year, following the early presidential election, and has led the party for about 11 months. With his resignation, floor leader Han Byung-do will serve as acting party leader until the Aug. 17 national convention.
Political circles are raising the possibility that the convention will become a three-way race among Jung, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok and former party leader Song Young-gil. Some observers also suggest that Kim and Song could form a united front against Jung, setting up a contest between pro-Jung factions and non-leadership pro-Lee Jae Myung forces.
The new Democratic Party leader elected at the Aug. 17 national convention will serve a two-year term.
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