Democratic Party's On-Site Investigation and Analysis of Damyang and Yeonggwang By-Elections Draws Attention

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The Democratic Party of Korea's central committee has recently launched an on-site investigation and analysis into the reasons behind its defeat in the Damyang County mayoral race in South Jeolla Province, as well as the factors that led to its struggles in the Yeonggwang County by-election, drawing significant attention.

According to the Democratic Party's central committee and the local committees for Damyang, Hampyeong, Yeonggwang, and Jangseong on April 29, officials from the central committee's Organization Bureau visited Damyang last week to conduct an on-site organizational inspection. It is reported that they met with party officials and local residents to gather public opinion before returning to Seoul.

Within the local political community, there is a growing awareness of the seriousness of the Democratic Party's candidate losing to the Cho Kuk Innovation Party candidate in the Damyang County by-election, as well as the party's struggles in last year's Yeonggwang County by-election. Many view the current on-site inspection as preparation for next year's local elections.

Some have pointed out that Lee Gaeho, the local committee chair and current lawmaker, cannot be free from responsibility for the election defeat. There are also calls for the party to identify a diverse pool of candidates to enhance its competitiveness in next year's local elections.

A local political figure stated, "A fierce competition is expected between the Democratic Party and the Cho Kuk Innovation Party in next year's local elections in Gwangju and South Jeolla. Even though these areas are traditional strongholds for the Democratic Party, if the party makes poor nominations, it could face judgment from local residents again in next year's elections."

Regarding this, a representative from Lee Gaeho's office said, "Some people are unilaterally emphasizing the issue of responsibility, but I hope the central committee will use this opportunity to accurately assess the local atmosphere."

The representative added, "At this moment, Representative Lee is focusing on the presidential election. He is working to secure votes in Seoul's various districts and regions, especially among the Honam Association in the metropolitan area, where the party did not perform strongly in the last presidential election. He is also serving as the senior advisor for the Gwangju and South Jeolla City and Provincial Residents' Association, dedicating himself to ensuring the Democratic Party's victory in the June 3 presidential election."

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