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

With just one day to go before the June 3 local elections and by-elections for the National Assembly, 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, respectively, 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 the Lee Jae-myung administration and local governments during his campaign in the competitive districts of Gangdong, Gwangjin, and Mapo in Seoul. He argued that the election of candidates such as Seoul mayoral candidate Kim Jong-mu and district heads like Moon Jong-cheol and Yoo Dong-kyun is essential for regional development.

He also expressed concern over the consolidation of conservative forces following the support of former Presidents Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye for People Power Party candidates. During his rally 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 than ever."

Jung, who has been actively engaging with voters across the country, has been spending more time in the capital region as the local elections approach. He campaigned in Yeouido, Seoul, and in Gyeonggi Province's Yeoju, Icheon, and Ansan, as well as in Incheon on May 26 and 27.

Jang, who had suspended his campaign following the collapse of the Seosomun overpass on May 26, resumed his rallies on May 28, visiting Nonsan and Daejeon. At the Nonsanhwa Market, he criticized President Lee Jae-myung, stating, "Before becoming president, he said, 'If a president commits a crime, he should go to jail.' Now that he is president, he wants to halt his trials and eliminate them altogether. The citizens of Nonsan must rise up and hold him accountable."

Jang also pointed out the government's recent actions that seem to encourage a boycott of Starbucks, questioning, "Is it acceptable for a country to interfere with something as simple as the president drinking coffee? We may still enjoy our freedoms, but our children might 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 each city and county in the area. The plan aims to establish Chungcheong as a key hub for advanced industries and enhance infrastructure, including 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 that the party that wins in Chungcheong wins the overall election. The People Power Party views Daejeon and Chungcheongnam-do as competitive regions and is ramping up its efforts there ahead of the early voting period.