Controversy Over 'Sangwang Politics' Ahead of Democratic Party Preliminary Primary for Goheung County Governor Election

Allegations Raised That Former Governor Park Byeong-jong Is Supporting a Specific Candidate

Screenshot of the Democratic Party Goheung County Governor preliminary primary candidate debate broadcast on June 6, hosted by Yeosu MBC

[Goheung=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Hyung-kwon] Ahead of the local elections in June next year, public interest has been rising since the TV debate for the Democratic Party of Korea's Goheung County Governor preliminary candidates held on the 6th, amid controversy that the former county governor is backing a specific candidate.

Furthermore, voices are rising that this controversy, dubbed 'Sangwang politics,' is going against the unity of the county residents.

According to the local political circles on the 13th, there are recent suspicions that preliminary candidate A for Goheung County Governor is receiving full support from former Goheung County Governor Park Byung-jong.

Former Governor Park is known as a powerful politician in the region, having served as the head of the Goheung Livestock Cooperative, a member of the Jeonnam Provincial Assembly, and a three-term Goheung County Governor.

Local political circles agree that Park’s backing of a specific candidate is causing new conflicts.

Preliminary candidate B said, “The suspicions about former Governor Park, which reportedly started from conflicts with current Governor Song Gwi-geun and investigations by the prosecution, have upset the county residents,” adding, “If it weren’t serious, the main theme of this preliminary election wouldn’t have been unity.”

He continued, “What if former Governor Park, who served three terms, helps a specific candidate win the primary and that candidate becomes governor?” expressing regret over the recent controversy.

Another preliminary candidate, Mr. C, said, “It’s unfortunate that such movements and rumors are circulating, but since it’s his own choice, there’s nothing we can do,” sounding resigned.

Citizen D said, “If a three-term governor interfered in the Democratic Party candidates’ primary, it would be shameful,” and pointed out, “For unity and the Democratic Party’s victory, if true, shouldn’t the candidate consider withdrawing?”

Regarding this, the candidate in question said, “These stories have been circulating since last April. They are twisting the fact that I have a close relationship with former Governor Park to their advantage,” and firmly stated, “Former Governor Park is just a senior politician who supports me, and the ‘Sangwang politics’ controversy is an unfounded claim.”

Meanwhile, similar 'Sangwang politics' controversies have also emerged in nearby Gurye County.

It is reported that former three-term Gurye County Governor Seo Ki-dong is backing a specific candidate.

Former Governor Seo denied involvement, asking not to be dragged into it, but reports suggesting his support continue unabated.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Party’s Goheung Regional Committee (Chairman National Assemblyman Kim Seung-nam) plans to conduct a public opinion poll from the 20th for four days, with 50% party members and 50% general residents, to cut off three candidates out of five and have two compete in the main primary.

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