Rebuilding Korea Party launches 'Blue Pinwheel' election committee ahead of June 3 local vote

The Rebuilding Korea Party said it has launched its central election committee, dubbed “Blue Pinwheel,” ahead of the June 3 local elections and National Assembly by-elections. The committee is campaigning on three pledges: “zero insurrection forces,” zero corruption and the realization of an “advanced nation of social rights.” Lee Hae-min, the party’s central campaign chief, told reporters at the National Assembly on April 26 that the name “Blue Pinwheel” was shortened to “Blue Pin.” He said it reflects a promise to “use the public’s desire to change outdated politics as the driving force for reform” and to pursue clean politics. Lee said the party set three goals aligned with its ballot number, 3, for the local elections. “Blue Pinwheel turns on the people’s wishes,” he said, adding that the party would embrace the concerns of young people, farmers, the self-employed and future generations. Lee also addressed the Pyeongtaek B by-election in Gyeonggi Province, where party leader Cho Kuk has declared his candidacy and former lawmaker Yoo Eui-dong was named the People Power Party’s sole recommended candidate. Lee said the matchup fits the party’s goal of eliminating what it calls “insurrection forces,” and argued Pyeongtaek could become a place where the party’s election aims are achieved. Asked about the possibility of cooperation among progressive forces in Pyeongtaek, Lee said the reform camp shares awareness on issues such as political reform, but election alliances are not formed on those issues alone. He added that the key actors in any alliance are Pyeongtaek residents, not the leaders of five parties. On possible coordination outside Pyeongtaek, including in the Honam region, Lee said he met Democratic Party Secretary-General Cho Seung-rae for about two hours for a serious discussion and that the two parties have maintained frequent behind-the-scenes contact. He said more time is needed before details can be made public, and that they plan to meet again soon. The Blue Pinwheel committee is scheduled to hold its first meeting on April 27. Cho is expected to serve as committee chair.