'Any Song' Challenge, Mukbang... YouTube Election Campaign

[Asia Economy Reporters Park Cheol-eung and Heo Mi-dam] The nature of election campaigning for the April 15 general election is changing due to the impact of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). With restrictions on face-to-face campaigning, efforts are focusing on raising awareness through platforms like YouTube.

Lee Hae-sik, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea (Seoul Gangdong-eul), posted a video on his YouTube channel on the 6th, dancing to singer Zico's song "Any Song" while demonstrating proper mask-wearing and coughing etiquette. Park Kyung-mi, a Democratic Party member (Seoul Seocho-eul), has been conducting experiences such as working part-time at a gas station through the "Experience Seocho On-site" segment since last year, aiming to create a friendly image among young voters.

The Liberty Korea Party is also actively engaging on YouTube. Jo Sang-gyu, a Liberty Korea Party preliminary candidate (Seoul Yongsan), posted a video on the 26th of last month challenging the "Any Song Challenge" in front of his office wearing an election campaign jumper, and also uploaded a "convenience store mukbang" video.

The conservative camp has long utilized YouTube as a promotional tool. The Liberty Korea Party has operated the YouTube channel "Oreun Sori" since February 2012. Hwang Kyo-ahn, leader of the Liberty Korea Party, appeared on this channel sharing personal stories about his upbringing and showed himself playing the saxophone to emphasize approachability. On the 14th, a video featuring Hwang conducting a "walking campaign" was also released.

The Democratic Party promoted its general election pledges through its official channel "Sseum," launched in November 2018. From the 15th of last month, party leader Lee Hae-chan, floor leader Lee In-young, and Supreme Council member Park Joo-min introduced pledges such as nationwide expansion of public Wi-Fi, becoming one of the four major venture countries, and creating customized cities for youth and newlyweds through rap. These efforts aim to break away from the traditional rigid format and approach young voters with a friendly image.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.