Internal party divisions within South Korea’s ruling Democratic Party have intensified following the June 3, 2026 local elections, where disappointing results in key areas like Seoul prompted pro-Lee Jae-myung lawmakers to demand Jung Chung-rae’s resignation over election strategy and nomination disputes. Jung, elected chair in August 2025, has rejected the calls as matters of personal political discretion and is actively campaigning for re-election at the scheduled August 2026 national convention, including outreach in the Honam stronghold. These tensions create the main near-term catalyst for any leadership change, with the convention outcome serving as the next formal test of support amid broader efforts to maintain party unity ahead of future legislative and electoral cycles.