[6·3 Local Elections] 'Party Leader Risk' Persists as Jeong Cheong-rae and Jang Dong-hyuk Face Challenges

As the June 3 local elections and National Assembly by-elections approach, concerns about the "party leader risk" surrounding Jeong Cheong-rae of the Democratic Party and Jang Dong-hyuk of the People Power Party continue to grow. Political analysts note that both leaders have contributed to negative perceptions through repeated gaffes and are increasingly relying on extreme support bases amid competition for party leadership.

According to reports on May 31, with just three days until the main voting day, candidates from both parties in some regions are distancing themselves from their party leadership. On this day, Jang Dong-hyuk and Song Eon-seok, the floor leader, campaigned in Seoul, but a meeting with Oh Se-hoon, the candidate for Seoul mayor, did not materialize.

Oh has emphasized since the start of the official campaign on May 21 that he would run the election based on his own brand and policies, urging the party to play a role in checking the "arrogant and tyrannical" actions of the Lee Jae-myung administration while minimizing contact with party leadership. Previously, Kim Jin-tae, the candidate for Gangwon governor, pressured Jang during a visit to Yangyang County a month ago, stating, "The party needs to provide some support," and urged him to take responsibility.

Jeong's situation is not much different. Having traveled nationwide early on to gauge public sentiment, Jeong faced backlash after a gaffe involving an elementary school student while campaigning for Ha Jung-woo, the candidate for Busan North Gap, on May 3. On May 20, amid the controversy over Starbucks' "Tank Day," he made remarks suggesting a boycott of certain companies, stating, "For those campaigning for the Democratic Party, entering Starbucks could give a very negative impression to the public," which provided ammunition for opposition attacks.

Political analysts suggest that the government's excessive responses have solidified support among Democratic Party loyalists but negatively impacted the opinions of moderate and conservative voters. Kim Boo-kyum, the Democratic Party's candidate for Daegu mayor, remarked, "I hope it stops at this level. The political atmosphere should not publicly pressure specific companies or criticize consumer behavior," urging the government and ruling party to trust the public and observe the situation.

There are also criticisms that both leaders are focusing on hardline support bases rather than moderates in their quest for party leadership ahead of the upcoming August convention. Jeong, who is facing calls for resignation, and Jang, who is under pressure, seem more concerned with maintaining their party positions than effectively participating in the elections.
 
Despite the risks associated with their leadership, both party leaders are expected to continue campaigning until the end of the election period.

On this day, Jeong visited regions including Gurye County in Jeollanam-do and Gun-san County in Chungcheongnam-do, supporting local mayoral candidates. This strategy aims to solidify support in the Chungcheong region, which holds the key to electoral victory. While campaigning near a beekeeping center in Gun-san, Jeong stated, "Nationwide, President Lee Jae-myung's approval rating exceeds 50%. To support this president, I urge you to come out and vote for the Democratic Party."

Jang, meanwhile, visited Mapo, Seongdong, and Gangnam districts in Seoul, urging young voters to participate in the election. Wearing a red apron with the slogan "freedom to drink coffee," he campaigned in the Yeonnam-dong area, appealing, "Please vote for the People Power Party on June 3, and support candidate number 2."