As the June 3 local elections approach, former President Park Geun-hye's activities are garnering attention in the political arena. On May 23, Park visited the Chilseong Market in Daegu, accompanying the People Power Party's mayoral candidate, Chugyeong-ho. She is also scheduled to visit the birthplace of former First Lady Yuk Young-soo in Okcheon, Chungbuk, on May 25. Although she did not deliver a direct campaign speech, her presence just over ten days before the election is interpreted as a message to rally conservative support. This is particularly significant given the competitive nature of the Daegu mayoral race.
It is not necessary to view the support of a former president in a strictly negative light. In a democratic society, the freedom of political expression is guaranteed for everyone, including former presidents, who can express their political views and support specific parties or candidates. It is common for former leaders to engage in election support abroad. In the United States, former President Barack Obama actively campaigned for Democratic candidates, while Donald Trump remained a key player in Republican politics after leaving office. Similarly, in Japan, former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe exerted significant influence in supporting the Liberal Democratic Party during his lifetime.
Local elections are not solely about regional policy competition. In reality, elections are always influenced by central politics. The evaluation of the government, party approval ratings, and public sentiment regarding presidential governance significantly impact local election outcomes, a phenomenon observed globally. South Korean politics is no exception.
The challenge lies in maintaining balance.
Local elections are fundamentally about selecting individuals who can foster regional development. This process involves choosing those responsible for policies related to transportation, housing, welfare, safety, and industry—issues that are closest to citizens' lives. As the concentration of resources in the capital region and the decline of rural areas intensify, the role of local governments becomes increasingly crucial. In an era of competition in advanced industries such as AI, semiconductors, biotechnology, and batteries, local governments are evolving from mere administrative bodies to central pillars of regional industrial strategy.
However, if elections become overly politicized, the vision for the region's future may be overshadowed by partisan conflict. In the case of the Daegu mayoral election, the 'Park Geun-hye effect' is becoming a larger news story than the economic and industrial strategies for Daegu or the issue of youth outmigration. This indicates that South Korean politics has yet to fully escape its focus on individuals and factions.
That said, it is also unrealistic to completely prohibit the political participation of former presidents. The key lies not in the act of supporting candidates but in the manner and message conveyed. If the support merely incites factional unity and fosters hostility toward opponents, social conflict may escalate. Conversely, if a former president conveys messages of unity, responsibility, and moderation, they can elevate the quality of political culture.
International examples illustrate this point. While supporting Democratic candidates, former President Obama consistently emphasized messages of unity and trust in American democracy. In contrast, while Trump succeeded in mobilizing a strong support base after leaving office, he is also credited with exacerbating political polarization in the United States. The political influence of a former president can either be an asset or a burden for democracy, depending on how it is wielded.
What South Korean politics must be most vigilant against is the 'excess of emotional politics.' In an era where AI-generated fake news, YouTube politics, fandom politics, and hate politics disrupt the electoral landscape, the more political symbols are excessively mobilized, the more elections tend to devolve into contests of emotional mobilization rather than policy competition. Ultimately, it is the citizens who suffer, as issues related to the local economy, jobs, transportation, safety, youth, and welfare are pushed aside.
Park Geun-hye's recent actions should also be viewed through this lens. While there may be a rallying effect among conservative supporters, it should not provoke past conflicts and factional divisions. The political influence of a former president must be considered not just as personal politics but also for its symbolic effect on society as a whole.
Democracy is a system that allows for diverse political participation, and former presidents are no exception. However, given their significant influence, a higher level of responsibility and restraint is required. Especially in local elections, the focus should transcend party victories and losses to address the essential question: “Who can better develop the region?”
Ultimately, voters must assess this point. They should not be swayed solely by political symbols and emotions but should critically evaluate candidates based on their policies, capabilities, and visions for regional development. Local elections are both an extension of central politics and a stage for responsible governance that impacts citizens' lives.
What is needed now is not just factional unity but a mature democracy that selects individuals responsible for the future of the region.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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