Democratic Party of Korea chair Jung Chung-rae, elected in August 2025, faces a scheduled leadership convention in August 2026 that will determine whether he seeks or secures another term. Recent reporting highlights internal tensions, including pushback from supporters of President Lee Jae-myung who have floated alternative candidates to limit Jung’s influence ahead of the June 3 local elections. Those elections serve as an early test of party performance, with underperformance potentially strengthening calls for a leadership change at the convention. Public statements from Jung on policy priorities and candidate nominations have not quelled speculation about his re-election prospects, sustaining trader consensus around an elevated probability of transition before year-end.