Lee nears tighter grip on DP after leadership race

DAEJEON ― President Lee Jae Myung stands to gain a firmer grip over the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, with the party's ongoing leadership race pointing to a stronger pro-Lee presence in its top decision-making body. The changing balance of power would give Lee greater latitude in steering the ruling bloc and reduce the friction with Cheong Wa Dae that surfaced under the outgoing party leadership. Rep. Kim Min-seok, a four-term lawmaker and the former prime minister in Lee's administration, i