[Summary] Lee Nak-yeon "Deep Reflection" vs Kim Jong-in "Foundation for Regime Change"

On the morning of the first official campaign day for the April 7 by-election, Park Young-sun, the Democratic Party of Korea's candidate for Seoul mayor, is greeting supporters at Sindorim Station in Guro-gu, Seoul.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Choyoung] On the 25th, with the official campaign for the April 7 by-elections beginning, Lee Nak-yeon, the Standing Election Committee Chairman of the Democratic Party of Korea, and Kim Jong-in, the Emergency Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, launched full-scale election campaigns. Chairman Lee raised the 'Democratic Party's reflection,' while Chairman Kim emphasized the 'regime judgment theory.'

Amid worsening public opinion due to speculation allegations involving the Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH), Chairman Lee employed a so-called 'pleading strategy' from the first day of the campaign. In response, Chairman Kim focused on the 'regime judgment theory,' stating, "This government advocates clearing out past evils but does not address the evils of this election."

On the same day, Chairman Lee appealed on his Facebook, saying, "Dear citizens, please help us." He continued, "The Democratic Party will meet the people with a desperate and humble heart," adding, "We will leave no regrets, give everything we have, and visit every alley and street." He further stated, "We will deeply reflect on our mistakes, innovate, and firmly pioneer the future." This marks a shift into 'reflection mode' two weeks before the election, aiming to regain the deteriorated public sentiment.

Chairman Lee's public remark asking former Presidential Chief of Staff Lim Jong-seok, who recently stirred controversy by defending the late former Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon, to "be cautious" is interpreted in the same context.

On the day, Chairman Lee appeared on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' and requested restraint from former Chief Lim, saying, "Since the wounds of the victimized women have not yet healed, it would be better to refrain from remarks that might reopen those wounds."

Democratic Party lawmakers also shared videos pleading for reflection. Lawmakers Ko Min-jung, Yoon Gun-young, and Supreme Council member Kim Jong-min each posted videos on their Facebook pages with messages like, "For those who dislike the color blue, it may not be easy to change your mind, but please allow the blue government to gather strength for the remaining period."

At the same time, efforts were made to block the opposition's 'regime judgment theory.' Chairman Lee said at candidate Park's campaign kickoff rally, "Judging the regime means spending a year fighting only with the government."

On the morning of the 25th, the official start day of the election campaign, Oh Se-hoon, the People Power Party candidate for Seoul mayor, is taking a selfie with supporters at Yujin Shopping Center in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Meanwhile, the People Power Party focused on stirring up the 'regime judgment wind.' Chairman Kim Jong-in emphasized at the Seoul election committee meeting, "We should not be satisfied with the current polling support rates but carefully consider how to maintain them," adding, "Our party currently boasts the highest approval ratings. Candidate Oh Se-hoon's support rate shows nearly a 20% difference compared to candidate Park."

At a campaign rally in front of Daehanmun at Deoksugung Palace, Chairman Kim appealed, "If candidate Oh is elected mayor and we achieve regime change next year, we promise to reconsider this flawed tax policy," and "If the People Power Party wins the Seoul mayoral election and this victory becomes a stepping stone for regime change next year, I promise to correct the mismanaged national administration. I ask for your vote so that candidate Oh can be elected on April 7."

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