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Democratic Party leader candidates Kim Boo-gyeom (pictured from the left), Park Joo-min, and Lee Nak-yeon pose for a photograph before their debate on a CBS Radio broadcast in Seoul’s Yangcheon District on Aug. 18. (Yonhap News)

The Democratic Party national convention planned for Aug. 29 will be taking place under a “100% online format” amid the recent rapid spread of the novel coronavirus. With the recent upgrade to Level 2 social distancing barring gatherings of 50 or more people indoors, the location is to be switched from the previously announced Olympic Gymnastics Arena to the party’s headquarters in Seoul’s Yeouido neighborhood. An event on the day of the convention is to be attended by fewer than 50 people, including a small number of party officials such as the candidates and convention chairperson as well as necessary staff.

Jang Cheol-min, spokesperson for the Democratic Party convention preparatory committee, held a press conference at the National Assembly on Aug. 19 to announce the decision, which is intended to comply with Level 2 social distancing guidelines. To simplify the convention-day event, a central committee meeting is to be held online the day before on Aug. 28 to address platform amendments and other issues. Voting to select central committee members, which had been scheduled for Aug. 9, is to take place in conjunction with an online vote for delegates beginning on Aug. 26.

By Noh Ji-won, staff reporter

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