'Will Do Anything to Rise'... Opposition Presidential Candidates Meeting Even Heo Kyung-young

Reporter and Singer Alter Egos Created by Won Hee-ryong
Yoon Seok-yeol and Yoo Seung-min Trying to Shed Seriousness

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] As the presidential race among parties intensifies, candidates' "struggles" to attract public attention are becoming more diverse. While some institutional candidates seek to create buzz by meeting with Heo Kyung-young, Honorary Chairman of the National Revolutionary Party, known for his somewhat "absurd" pledges, others are drawing attention by courting the youth with comedic appearances.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the afternoon of the 31st, Ahn Sang-soo, the People Power Party's presidential candidate and former mayor of Incheon, plans to visit Heo's residence, "Haneulgung," in Yangju, Gyeonggi Province. Considering the political atmosphere that even hesitates to mention Heo as a formal competitor, this is an unusual move. In a radio interview, Ahn said, "Regardless of the formality, I am going to promote various public discussions." Even if the two are linked by sharing populist pledges, it is clear that the intention is to gain the benefit of "newsworthiness."

Behind Ahn's choice lies concerns about his low recognition and support ratings. Since media coverage tends to focus only on frontrunners, minor candidates must devise unique strategies to attract public attention. Especially, passing the first cutoff on the 15th of next month, which reduces the 12 primary candidates to 8, is the biggest concern for minor candidates. Ahn said, "If I make it into the top 8, there will be more opportunities," adding, "If the media gives the same opportunities, there will be considerable results."

Efforts to become a topic of conversation by creating sub-characters (sub-casts) are also ongoing. Former Jeju Governor Won Hee-ryong is employing a strategy of communicating with voters through videos by creating sub-characters such as "Political and Social Reporter Won Hee-bong" and aspiring singer "Hee Dragon." For example, Hee Dragon sings about Won's signature pledge, the "Half-Half Housing," at an audition, or reporter Won Hee-bong interviews his main character (main cast) self.

Former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl recently released a video titled "Minji, Please." In this video promoting a campaign to solve issues faced by "Minji" (the MZ generation, Millennials + Generation Z), a solemn-looking Yoon holds a virtual presidential campaign meeting and says, "I got a message from Minji. Minji asked for this, so let's give it a try."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Former lawmaker Yoo Seung-min, known for his serious image, also released a video playing a "balance game" asking questions like "Do you prefer daughters or sons?" This is an attempt to break away from his overly "serious" image and show a lighter, more entertaining side to the public.

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