People Power Party Solidifies Weak Organizational Strength with 'Momentum'... 'Warning Against Verbal Slip-ups'

"Campaigning Like an Independence Movement"

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] The People Power Party is also mobilizing its traditional conservative organizations for the April 7 by-elections. Although it is at a disadvantage in terms of scale compared to the Democratic Party of Korea, which controls grassroots local government organizations such as the National Assembly, district offices, and district councils, the party has expressed its determination to fully demonstrate its capabilities as a former ruling party and the main opposition party.

On the 26th, Oh Se-hoon, the People Power Party candidate for Seoul mayor, is campaigning at Jeungmi Station Intersection on Yangcheon-ro, Gangseo-gu, Seoul. Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers Group

On the 26th, Kim Seon-dong, a former lawmaker and the general headquarters chief for People Power Party’s Seoul mayoral candidate Oh Se-hoon, told Asia Economy in a phone interview, "The People Power Party is operating party organizations and functional organizations to the fullest extent." He added, "Although we are at a disadvantage in scale compared to the ruling party and are relying solely on private support without government assistance, our members are campaigning with the determination of independence activists."

One of the key points emphasized by the People Power Party during the unification primary with Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, was the organizational strength of the main opposition party that has maintained grassroots presence by region. This organizational strength is considered essential not only for on-site campaigning but also for encouraging voting. The People Power Party regards the actualization of grassroots sentiment into election results as an urgent task. With People Power Party candidates expected to perform well in the Seoul and Busan mayoral by-elections, the key is to translate this public sentiment into actual votes. Especially since the election is held on a weekday, boosting voter turnout has emerged as a crucial strategy. The underlying judgment is that the disadvantage in organizational strength must ultimately be compensated for by voter turnout.

Under this strategic plan, the People Power Party aims to prevent unexpected setbacks and focus on a "stable consolidation." Oh Shin-hwan, former People Power Party lawmaker and co-chairman of the campaign committee, said, "Showing a more humble and serving attitude and demonstrating change will be our best effort and strategy." Kim Jong-in, emergency committee chairman of the People Power Party (pictured), also urged at the election countermeasures meeting the day before, "We must not be complacent and must be very careful with our words and actions," adding, "One wrong word can lead to the loss of many votes."

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