The Jo Guk Innovation Party launched a full-scale support effort for its leader Jo Guk on May 11 by proposing an amendment to the Pyeongtaek Support Special Law, ahead of the June 3 by-election in Pyeongtaek. However, negotiations for a potential unification with the Democratic Party candidate Kim Yong-nam are facing difficulties amid ongoing disputes.
On the same day, floor leader Seo Wang-jin submitted the bill to the National Assembly and explained to reporters, "The purpose of this amendment is to ensure that the promises made by the government regarding special support for Pyeongtaek since the relocation of U.S. military bases are properly fulfilled, addressing areas that have been lacking."
The previous day, the Innovation Party held an on-site general meeting in Pyeongtaek and adopted the amendment to the Pyeongtaek Support Special Law as its party line. The proposed amendment includes provisions for establishing and implementing traffic improvement measures for local residents, legalizing national subsidies outlined in the enforcement decree, and abolishing the sunset clause.
Jo stated, "Pyeongtaek is home to the world's largest single semiconductor factory, the Samsung Electronics campus, and the largest U.S. military base, Camp Humphreys. I will elevate Pyeongtaek, a strong leader in artificial intelligence and a symbol of the Korea-U.S. alliance, to the next level."
He acknowledged that many projects have been carried out under the Pyeongtaek Support Special Law enacted in 2005 but emphasized, "It is insufficient to support national security and industrial strategy. To ensure stable business operations and consistent development strategies, the sunset clause must be removed."
Furthermore, Jo expressed confidence, stating, "The amendment, which the Innovation Party has endorsed, will serve as a strong support for me and a source of hope for the residents of Pyeongtaek. The Innovation Party will demonstrate its commitment through action, not just words."
The Pyeongtaek constituency is considered a major battleground in the upcoming election, with a multi-candidate race. The potential for unification is seen as a key factor. In the progressive camp, candidates include Jo, Kim Yong-nam, and Kim Jae-yeon, the leader of the Progressive Party, while the conservative camp features Yoo Ui-dong, a three-term candidate from the People Power Party, and Hwang Kyo-ahn, leader of the Liberty and Innovation Party.
Some analysts suggest that if the progressive and conservative camps do not unify, the conservative candidate may benefit from less vote splitting.
Jo and Kim Yong-nam have been engaged in a heated exchange. Kim has previously raised allegations regarding Jo's family's private equity fund, earning the nickname "Jo Guk sniper." On the same day, Jo criticized Kim during an appearance on YTN Radio, stating, "I find it hard to understand why he refuses to apologize for his serious comments regarding the Itaewon and Sewol ferry disasters."
The tension has escalated to a party level. The previous day, Democratic Party spokesperson Park Ji-hye remarked, "It is difficult to understand the contradiction of attacking the Democratic candidate while shouting 'People Power Zero.'" In response, Lim Myung-hee, spokesperson for the Innovation Party, countered, "Instead of answering whether the belief that 'the state should protect the lives and safety of its citizens' is wrong, Kim Yong-nam has made remarks labeling Jo as a criminal."
Additionally, Jo Seung-rae, the Democratic Party's secretary-general, indicated that some members of the Innovation Party are attempting to recruit individuals who have faced disciplinary actions or exclusion from nominations within the Democratic Party, suggesting, "If it affects mutual trust, it might be better not to proceed."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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