On May 21, the official campaign period for the local elections began, with both major parties launching aggressive efforts to win over voters. Jung Cheong-rae, leader of the Democratic Party, and Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, focused their strategies on the Chungcheong region, known for its pivotal role as a 'casting vote' in local elections.
The Democratic Party emphasized that this election is crucial for preventing the People Power Party's controversial nominations and for leading the country towards normalization under the Lee Jae-myung administration. Jung highlighted the importance of this election as a 'golden time' for the nation.
Jung began his campaign at midnight at a rally for Seoul mayoral candidate Jung Won-oh, visiting key battlegrounds in Gyeonggi, Gongju, Daejeon, and Cheonan to attract moderate voters.
At a rally for candidate Ryu Sam-young in the Dongjak District, Jung stated, "As seen in the recent nominations by the People Power Party, those who still support internal conflict are oblivious to the need for reflection. I ask you to judge these forces by voting for us."
In the afternoon, during a campaign event in Gongju with candidates Park Soo-hyun for Chungnam governor and Kim Jeong-seop for Gongju mayor, Jung expressed gratitude to the residents for overcoming internal conflict and urged them not to give a single vote to the People Power Party, asking them to support the Democratic Party instead.
Conversely, the People Power Party concentrated its efforts in the Chungcheong region, which includes Jang's constituency, arguing that if the Democratic Party wins the local elections, it would lead to a one-party dictatorship alongside the Lee Jae-myung administration.
At a rally for Daejeon mayoral candidate Lee Jang-woo, Jang declared, "If the Democratic Party, which has seized legislative power, also wins local governments, South Korea will become a one-party dictatorship. The People Power Party aims to protect democracy and the future of our nation from Daejeon."
In Gongju, where candidates Kim Tae-heum for Chungnam governor and Choi Won-cheol for Gongju mayor campaigned, Jang continued to criticize the Democratic Party and President Lee Jae-myung. He claimed, "The president is attempting to halt his trial and initiate a special investigation. We must win in Chungnam and across the nation to hold the arrogant Democratic Party accountable."
Notably, Jung and Jang crossed paths in front of the Gongju Sanseong Market during overlapping campaign schedules. As Jung passed by the People Power Party rally, Jang called out the names of their candidates, stating, "Just a moment ago, Jung Cheong-rae and the Democratic candidates walked by. I wanted them to hear this." Some supporters of the People Power Party shouted against Jung, but he smiled and waved at Jang as he left the rally.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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