Pre-Election Campaigns Heat Up Ahead of Local Elections in South Korea

As South Korea approaches the June 3 local elections and National Assembly by-elections, Jung Cheong-rae, leader of the Democratic Party, and Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, campaigned in Seoul and the Chungcheong region on May 28. Jung called for support to work alongside the administration of President Lee Jae-myung, while Jang urged voters to prevent government overreach.

Jung emphasized the need to choose a 'strong' Democratic Party to ensure collaboration between President Lee and local governments during his visit to key districts in Seoul, including Gangdong, Gwangjin, and Mapo. He argued that the election of candidates such as Kim Jong-mu for Gangdong District Mayor, Moon Jong-cheol for Gwangjin District Mayor, and Yoo Dong-kyun for Mapo District Mayor is crucial for local development.

He also expressed concern over the recent support for People Power Party candidates from former Presidents Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye, indicating a consolidation of conservative forces. During his campaign in Gangdong, he stated, "Please support President Lee Jae-myung to help stabilize the government. If they (the conservatives) unite, we must unite even more. Show that we support this president more strongly."

Jung, who has been actively engaging with voters across the country, has been focusing more time in the capital region as the elections approach. He had campaigned in Yeongdeungpo, Gyeonggi Province, and Incheon on May 26-27.

After halting his campaign following the collapse of the Seosomun Overpass on May 26, Jang resumed his activities on May 28, visiting Nonsan in Chungcheongnam-do and Daejeon. At Nonsan Central Market, he criticized President Lee, stating, "Before becoming president, he said, 'If a president commits a crime, he should go to prison.' Now that he is president, he wants to halt all his trials and erase them." He urged Nonsan citizens to hold him accountable.

Jang also pointed out the government's recent promotion of a boycott against Starbucks, questioning, "Is it acceptable for a country to interfere with what the president drinks?" He warned that while we still enjoy freedom, our children may live in a South Korea where even their ability to breathe is controlled.

In conjunction with Jang's visit to the Chungcheong region, the People Power Party announced tailored pledges for cities and counties in the area, aiming to develop Chungcheong as a hub for advanced industries and enhance infrastructure like transportation networks to invigorate the region.

Jang has been focusing on the Chungcheong region, having kicked off his official campaign on May 21 at Daejeon Station. This area is often regarded as a bellwether, with the saying, "The party that wins in Chungcheong wins the overall election." The People Power Party views Daejeon and Chungcheongnam-do as competitive regions, prompting their targeted efforts ahead of early voting.