"Between Verification and Negativity"... Surge in Checks Amid Rapid Changes in Democratic Party Primary Race Structure
[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Seoyoung] As the presidential primary race within the Democratic Party of Korea rapidly changes, the remarks of the presidential candidates are becoming increasingly harsh day by day.
This trend is analyzed to have emerged as the second-place candidate Lee Nak-yeon made significant progress, showing signs that the internal primary race structure is being reorganized from the so-called 'one strong one middle' to a 'two-strong' structure. In particular, the previously leading candidate Lee Jae-myung is now in direct conflict with Lee Nak-yeon. They continuously bring up sensitive issues such as the 'Optimus scandal' and the 'Lady Hyegyeong Kim scandal.'
On the 17th, candidate Lee Jae-myung indirectly targeted Lee Nak-yeon by saying on a YouTube broadcast, "There are also people who praised Park Chung-hee." In response, Oh Young-hoon, chief spokesperson for Lee Nak-yeon's campaign, fired back with statements such as, "A senior executive of a Gyeonggi Province-related organization has been systematically operating a negative campaign to interfere in the primary," and "This reminds us of the 'NIS comment manipulation' during the Lee Myung-bak administration. It is a despicable political operation."
Not only Lee Jae-myung but also the trailing candidates have launched verification offensives. As their checks and balances continue, the internal primary race structure is gradually becoming more layered. Candidate Chu Mi-ae rated Lee Nak-yeon as a "zero-point party leader," while candidate Park Yong-jin criticized, calling them "just an average Lee Nak-yeon and an unstable candidate Lee Jae-myung."
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Candidate Chung Sye-kyun also targeted candidates Lee Jae-myung and Park Yong-jin, who have drunk-driving records, by asserting, "Anyone with a drunk-driving criminal record should be deprived of all public office opportunities." Meanwhile, the two candidates criticized Chung Sye-kyun's "Democratic Party legitimacy theory," saying, "Isn't this an outdated bloodline theory?"
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