Weaknesses Highlighted Over Party Affiliation Changes... People Power Party Gyeonggi Governor Primary Debate Sees Fierce Clash Over Suitability

People Power Party Gyeonggi Province gubernatorial candidates Jin Gyu, Yang Hyangja, and Lee Seongbae once again argued their suitability for the post, engaging in a heated debate.

On the 26th, candidates are taking a commemorative photo at the People Power Party Gyeonggi Province gubernatorial primary debate held at the People Power Party Central Party Office in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

During the second vision debate for the Gyeonggi Governor primary, held on the 28th at the OBS studio in Bucheon, the three candidates focused more on highlighting their strengths and pointing out their opponents' weaknesses, rather than engaging in a policy competition.

Candidate Ham, a former Gyeonggi Provincial Council member, said, "I am the most knowledgeable about Gyeonggi Province, and I am a prepared governor with both competence and experience. I am here not out of political ambition or desire for position, but for the development of Gyeonggi Province and the happiness of its residents."

Lee, the only candidate in his 40s, appealed, "Can a familiar face defeat Democratic Party candidate Choo Mi-ae? The future of Gyeonggi Province cannot be opened with old methods. We need a governor in his 40s who matches the pace and sensibility of Gyeonggi Province."

Yang, an advanced industry expert, stated, "The final match against Choo Mi-ae will be a contest between a fighter and a worker." Responding to the issue of her party affiliation change, which was raised as an attack in the first debate, Yang explained, "It is regrettable that Candidate Ham mentioned false information. I am a professional recruited by the party."

During the open debate, the candidates continued to clash over issues such as party affiliation changes and retaining the position of Supreme Council member. When Ham pointedly asked Yang, "You said I came from the Democratic Party. On what grounds did you say that?" Yang replied, "I saw it on Namuwiki; it says you started from the National New Party and then moved to the Millennium Democratic Party." Ham countered, "I have never once set foot in the Democratic Party. That is a clear falsehood, and I will take appropriate action."

Ham also raised the issue of Yang retaining her Supreme Council member position, which was a point of contention during the first debate, questioning the fairness of the situation.

Lee also pointed out Yang's identity issue due to her move between parties, and stated, "Contrary to your image as a woman who broke the glass ceiling, you agreed to call the victim of former Mayor Park Won-soon's sexual violence case a 'person raising allegations' in 2021, and during the sexual violence case involving your relative's aide, you proposed job placement to the victim, which led to secondary harm controversy."

Yang clarified, "As reported by the media at the time, I acknowledged the inappropriateness and apologized." She then pressed Lee, saying, "You entered politics in 2025 and, in fact, you have not been properly vetted. You listed Samsung IT marketing experience, but I couldn't find anyone around who knows you. Where did you work and what was your position?"

When Lee responded, "Samsung Electronics, 47th batch, 23rd group. That's how we express it. (Yang) probably wouldn't know since you joined as a production worker," Yang shot back, "It's not true that I joined as a production worker."

Yang continued to press Ham, asserting that Ham's claims about her party affiliation change were not true, and repeatedly asked, "Are you willing to apologize?" Ham stood firm, saying, "That's a fact."

In response to a common question about their top priority pledge during their term, Lee selected a three-pronged strategy to connect industry and life, Yang proposed ushering in the era of 100 million won in Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP), and Ham cited the establishment of the Gyeonggi Northern Special Autonomous Province.

All three candidates expressed support for three major issues: a complete review of President Lee Jaemyung's basic income and Governor Kim Dongyeon's opportunity income series, the relocation of Suwon military airport and construction of Gyeonggi International Airport, and the establishment of the Gyeonggi Northern Special Autonomous Province.

The People Power Party plans to finalize its Gyeonggi Province gubernatorial candidate on May 2 after holding the primary vote from April 30 to May 1.

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