Heo Hyang-jin, People Power Party Candidate for Jeju Governor, Likely to Return After One Day of Disappearance

[Jeju=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Park Chang-won] On the 10th, Heo Hyang-jin, the People Power Party's preliminary candidate for Jeju Governor, who canceled all schedules and went into hiding(?), is known to have returned to the election campaign office on the afternoon of the 11th to resume normal election activities.

According to Jeju political circles on the 11th, Heo suddenly cut off external contact the day before and notified his absence from the scheduled TV debate on the same day, causing controversy.

It is reported that he cut off contact with the outside after a gap of over 20% in approval ratings emerged between him and the Democratic Party candidate Oh Young-hoon in several recent opinion polls.

In particular, by notifying his absence from the TV debate, rumors of his withdrawal from the race circulated, causing the Jeju local election landscape to fluctuate.

Among the People Power Party Jeju Provincial Party members and Heo’s supporters, there are criticisms that it is irresponsible to disappear without prior notice after becoming the Jeju Governor candidate with difficulty due to the newcomer bonus points.

Also, since the gubernatorial candidate is the face of the local election, there is widespread anxiety among provincial assembly candidates about whether this controversy will affect the local election outcome.

A party official, Mr. A, said, “It is unreasonable for Heo to return as if nothing happened. He must face the election with drastic measures and determination,” adding, “He should devote himself to the election with the spirit of a lone rider.”

Regarding this, Kim Young-jin, chairman of the People Power Party Jeju Provincial Party, stated, “From the presidential election to the local election, Heo has been running nonstop, accumulating fatigue, and yesterday he rested at a hospital receiving an IV drip,” and “I understand he will go to the campaign office around this afternoon and carry out normal election schedules.”

Meanwhile, as Heo returns, voters’ attention is focused on what determination and messages he will present.

Jeju=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Park Chang-won captain@asiae.co.kr

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