Ruling Party Launches 'Odtuk Campaign Team' for Local Election Losers... Campaign Support Begins on the 21st

Support Activities Begin in Seoul, Followed by Busan, Ulsan, and Changwon

The Odtokyu Campaign Team of the Democratic Party of Korea's National Normalization Central Election Committee held its launch ceremony at the National Assembly on May 19. The team announced that it will officially begin its campaign activities starting at midnight on May 21, beginning with campaign rallies in Seoul.

Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party, stated, "The true owners of the party are its members. Just as fish cannot live without water, we cannot survive without our members. Although things are difficult now, I firmly believe that someday these activities will be beneficial both to the party and to all of you."

(Seoul=Yonhap News) Reporter Shin Hyunwoo = On May 19, Jeong Cheongrae, the Chief Standing Election Committee Chairperson of the Democratic Party of Korea, attended the launching ceremony of the Odtokyu Campaign Team held at the National Assembly. He shouted slogans and took commemorative photos with participants, including Representative Park Jumin, the head of the Odtokyu Campaign Team. 2026.5.19 nowwego@yna.co.kr (End)

Representative Jeong referred to the "Thekeot Campaign Team," which he formed after being cut off in the 2016 nomination process, and explained, "The meaning of 'Thekeot' is not 'cut off,' but rather 'grew bigger.' It means that through participating in this campaign team, one grows."

He continued, "Prior to the Thekeot Campaign Team, the prevailing political culture was that if someone failed to win a nomination, they would leave the party, run as an independent, and often act against the party's interests. My goal was to break this cycle. In retrospect, it greatly benefited the party and turned out to be a positive experience for me as well."

He added, "At the time, there were people who told me I could win if I ran as an independent, but rather than being tempted by such offers, I felt fear and anxiety. The thought of being the reason for punishing the Democratic Party I love, and becoming a tool for that, was truly painful for me."

He went on to say, "The first Thekeot Campaign Team has now, after 10 years, risen again as the Odtokyu Campaign Team. Centered around Team Leader Park Jumin, we will be actively reaching out to people across the country."

Representative Park Jumin, who became the leader of the Odtokyu Campaign Team after narrowly losing the Seoul mayoral primary, said, "After losing the primary, I was deeply hurt. When Representative Jeong suggested forming a campaign team of those who lost, I was at first confused, but his request to dedicate myself to the party was a wake-up call."

Representative Park stated, "This local election is extremely important. Many people are experiencing the effectiveness of the Lee Jaemyung administration, and we must ensure that even more citizens in places like Busan, Daegu, and Ulsan can truly feel that impact. We must wear out our shoes with effort, and with that resolve, the Odtokyu Campaign Team will also move forward."

Starting at midnight on the first day of the campaign, May 21, the team will begin with a rally at the Seoul morning market to support Seoul mayoral candidate Jeong Wonoh. That night, they plan to support Busan mayoral candidate Jeon Jaesoo in Busan until midnight. Subsequently, they will continue their support rallies in regions such as Changwon and Ulsan, which are considered less favorable for the Democratic Party in the Gyeongnam area.

Representative Park said, "We will focus on swing regions and areas where the Democratic Party must concentrate its efforts. We will go to the most challenging locations first and work tirelessly until the end."

The position of Senior Deputy Team Leader of the Odtokyu Campaign Team was assumed by Representatives Ahn Hoyoung and Jeon Hyunhee. The position of Metropolitan Team Leader was taken by Representatives Kim Youngbae, Kim Byungjoo, Lee Chunhee, Noh Youngmin, Yang Seungjo, and Seo Youngkyo.

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