The Democratic Party of Korea’s leadership race officially began on August 21st with preliminary elections, though shadowed by accusations of factionalism. Candidates attended a meeting hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Council to present their platforms. The emerging contest is marked by heated debate over perceived divisive strategies within the party. A new variable has also entered the equation – concerns surrounding the controversial Shincheonji religious group, potentially impacting the election dynamics. Reports suggest anxieties over the group’s potential influence and the need for a clear stance from candidates. This complicates an already fraught race as contenders seek to unify a party facing both internal strife and external scrutiny ahead of the full party convention on August 17th. The focus now shifts to the candidates' approaches to addressing these challenges and fostering party unity.