Former Prime Minister Kim Min-seok’s return to the ruling Democratic Party (DP) has turned the party’s upcoming leadership election into a debate over how South Korea’s ruling party should govern during the second year of President Lee Jae Myung’s administration.

The Aug. 17 convention will determine who leads the 161-seat ruling party as it seeks to recover from disappointing results in several key local races despite a broader electoral victory on June 3. The contest is expected to center on incumbent leader Jung Chung-rae and Kim, with former party leader Song Young-gil emerging as a potential kingmaker.

While all three