Seoul: The ruling Democratic Party (DP) is poised to elect a new leader at its national convention later Monday, a decision that could significantly influence its relationship with President Lee Jae Myung and its strategy for the upcoming 2028 parliamentary elections.

According to Yonhap News Agency, former Prime Minister Kim Min-seok is currently leading the race against Rep. Jung Chung-rae, who is vying for a second consecutive term as the DP leader. Kim has secured 49.91 percent of the votes in the regional primaries, while Jung has garnered 41.51 percent. Former DP leader Song Young-gil trails behind with 8.58 percent of the votes.

The voting results released so far are from dues-paying party members eligible to vote in the party elections. The results of voting by party delegates and the general public are yet to be announced at the national convention. This election is being conducted under a one-person, one-vote system for the first time, with votes from party delegates and dues-paying members constituting 70 percent of the final result, while the general public's votes account for the remaining 30 percent.

The newly elected leader will guide the ruling party into the 2028 parliamentary elections and will have significant influence over candidate nominations. Furthermore, the leader will play a crucial role in advancing President Lee's legislative agenda. Currently, the DP holds 161 seats in the 300-member National Assembly, providing them with enough seats to pass ordinary legislation without the support of the opposition.

The outcome of the 2028 parliamentary elections is pivotal, as it could determine the legislative momentum President Lee retains for the final two years of his term, which concludes in 2030.