Jung Chung-rae has led South Korea’s Democratic Party since winning the chairmanship with roughly 62 percent of the vote at the August 2025 national convention. The party’s next leadership election is scheduled for August 2026, when members will choose a new chair or re-elect the incumbent. Internal tensions have surfaced around Jung’s confrontational style and recent public remarks, prompting some pro-Lee Jae-myung factions to explore alternatives, including a potential challenge from Prime Minister Kim Min-seok. The June 3 local elections serve as an immediate test of party performance under President Lee, with outcomes likely to shape delegate sentiment ahead of the convention. Jung has indicated interest in seeking another term, but any shift in internal support or electoral results could influence whether he remains in the post through year-end.