14 Days Until Local Elections... Ruling Party Vows to "Take as Many Seats as Possible," Opposition Says "They Must Be Ousted"

Democratic Party to Focus Resources on Seoul and Yeongnam

People Power Party Ramps Up Support in Battleground Regions

On the eve of the official campaign period for the 9th nationwide local elections, scheduled for June 3, both the ruling and opposition parties have entered full-fledged election mode. The ruling party has defined the election’s character as a 'judgment on rebellion, national stability, and an evaluation of incumbents.' Meanwhile, the opposition is focusing on stirring up a 'judgment' sentiment against the government and the ruling party.

Cho Seungrae, the chief campaign manager and secretary-general of the Democratic Party of Korea, held a press briefing at the National Assembly on May 20 and said, "We aim to combine the will of our supporters for a political judgment on rebellion with the demands of local residents who want influential ruling party candidates for regional development, and ensure this is reflected in the voting booths." He added, "Our goal is to win as many metropolitan mayoral posts as possible from the opposition."

The Democratic Party has observed that the number of closely contested regions, including in the Yeongnam area, is increasing, and plans to intensively focus party resources there. Each candidate will launch their official campaign at midnight on May 21 at various sites focused on public livelihoods. Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheongrae will begin his full-scale campaign by supporting Jeong Wono, the party’s candidate for Seoul mayor, in Seoul. Chief campaign manager Cho stated, "As expected, there are many battleground regions," and added, "We plan to thoroughly explain why choosing a ruling party candidate will benefit regional development."

The People Power Party is highlighting the need to keep the administration in check and calling for a 'judgment' on the government. Party leader Jang Donghyeok said at a campaign committee meeting that morning, "If candidates associated with violence, abuse of power, and nightlife are elected, even local autonomy will be damaged." Floor leader Song Eonseok visited Buyeo County in South Chungcheong Province in the morning and Pyeongtaek City in Gyeonggi Province in the afternoon, supporting the by-elections in Gongju, Buyeo, and Cheongyang as well as the Pyeongtaek re-election. Regarding the election TV debates, he said, "Seeing the ruling party’s candidates struggle even with factual matters, I can understand their reluctance to debate."

Party leader Jang will also begin supporting campaign rallies from the first day of the official election period. However, as Seoul mayoral candidate Oh Sehoon and others are pursuing independent paths, it is likely that his first destination will be elsewhere. A party official commented, "We are considering Daejeon or South Chungcheong Province, but nothing has been finalized."

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