Ruling and Opposition Parties Head to Honam for May 18... Ruling Party Focuses on Internal Unity, Opposition Pushes for Judgment of Administration

Democratic Party Campaigns in North Jeolla Amid "Nomination Controversy"

Jang Donghyuk: "It Is Lee Jaemyung Who Undermines the Spirit of May 18"

The leadership of both the ruling and opposition parties simultaneously headed to the Honam region on May 18, marking the 46th anniversary of the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement. The Democratic Party of Korea called for “clearing up the legacy of rebellion” in Gwangju, recognized as the sacred ground of democratization, while focusing on consolidating support in key battleground areas such as North Jeolla Province. Meanwhile, the People Power Party intensified its campaign narrative of judging the current administration in these challenging regions.

On the morning of May 18, Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheongrae and floor leader Han Byungdo, along with other party executives, carried out a tight schedule in Gwangju, including paying their respects at the May 18 National Cemetery, presiding over an on-site Central Election Committee meeting, and attending the official ceremony commemorating the May 18 Democratization Movement. The party leadership had arrived in Honam the previous day to participate in the eve festival of the May 18 movement.

At the May 18 National Cemetery that day, Chairman Jeong told reporters, “The Yoon Again faction, which once defended rebellion, is dreaming of a comeback,” and added, “If it is the will of heaven, I believe that the nominations for rebellion will be sternly judged in the name of history, the Constitution, and democracy on June 3.”

The Democratic Party leadership also attended a mass at Nabawee Cathedral in Iksan, North Jeolla Province, the previous day. They joined the opening ceremony of the campaign office for Park Ji-won, the National Assembly by-election candidate for Gunsan, Gimje, and Buan in North Jeolla, as well as the launch event for the North Jeolla Provincial Party’s election committee, working hard to secure votes in the region.

It is interpreted that the party leadership sought to lend greater support to Democratic Party candidate Lee Wontak as independent North Jeolla governor candidate Kim Kwanyoung, who was expelled from the party and is running separately, continues to gain momentum. On the previous day, Chairman Jeong said, “The governor, as well as the heads of metropolitan and basic local governments and council members, are all from the Democratic Party. Wouldn’t it be inconvenient if even one of them belonged to another party?”

Meanwhile, People Power Party leader Jang Donghyuk also visited Gwangju that day to attend the May 18 commemoration ceremony. Last November, Chairman Jang attempted to visit the May 18 National Cemetery but was blocked due to protests from civic groups criticizing his support for the December 3 Martial Law. On this day, through social media, Chairman Jang said, “While they pay lip service to the spirit of May 18, it is actually Lee Jaemyung and the Democratic Party who are undermining it.”

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