Tensions are escalating between Jo Guk, leader of the Innovation Party, and Kim Yong-nam, the Democratic Party candidate, as they prepare for the Pyeongtaek by-election. The conflict has now expanded into a broader party-level dispute.
On May 10, Democratic Party spokesperson Park Ji-hye issued a written briefing stating, "Jo and the Innovation Party should focus on long-term, unifying politics for a decisive victory." She added that the actions of Jo and the Innovation Party during the Pyeongtaek by-election are raising concerns among citizens who hope for unity within the progressive camp.
She emphasized, "While promoting a 'Zero People Power' policy, targeting Kim only serves to create division within the progressive camp. Jo and the Innovation Party should direct their criticisms towards the candidate endorsed by the People Power Party, which has not properly apologized for its internal conflicts."
In response to the Democratic Party's remarks, the Innovation Party expressed discomfort. Spokesperson Im Myung-hee stated, "We are committed to unifying politics with the Democratic Party, but Kim must clarify whether the belief that 'the state should protect the lives and safety of its citizens' is misguided, rather than attacking Jo or the Innovation Party."
She also expressed regret over Kim's comments labeling Jo a criminal, stating, "This reflects the very political prosecution that the public has rejected, which is deeply regrettable." She pointed out that the true meaning of a decisive victory is that it benefits everyone.
Meanwhile, the Pyeongtaek race has drawn candidates from the progressive camp, including Jo, Kim, and Kim Jae-yeon, the leader of the Progressive Party, raising concerns about vote fragmentation. On the conservative side, former three-term candidate Yoo Yi-dong and Hwang Kyo-ahn, leader of the Liberty and Innovation Party, have also announced their candidacies. Currently, the likelihood of a unified front appears low, suggesting a competitive three-to-two dynamic that may favor the conservative camp.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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