Song Younggil Criticizes Jeong Cheongrae's On-Site Activities, Says "Leadership Is Self-Promoting"

by Ji Hyejin

Published 05 May.2026 11:39(KST)

Updated 06 May.2026 07:12(KST)

"Send the right people based on the opinions of local voters"

Song Young-gil, the Democratic Party of Korea candidate running in the Incheon Yeonsu Gap by-election, directly criticized the party leadership on May 5, just ahead of the election, saying, "Our leadership is not supposed to go around promoting themselves."

During an appearance on SBS Radio's "Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show" that day, Song stated, "When you want to help someone, you have to help them when they ask you to. Helping in your own way is not truly helping." He added, "Whatever the case, it is right to send the necessary person according to the opinions of the voters and those managing the election in that region."

Song Young-gil, candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea running for the Incheon Yeonsu Gap by-election. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

This remark is interpreted as a jab at Representative Jeong Cheong-rae, who recently sparked controversy by telling an elementary school student to call candidate Ha Jung-woo, running in Buk-gap, 'oppa' during a visit to Gupo Market in Busan.

Regarding Representative Jeong's support campaign activities in regions with strong conservative leanings, Song commented, "It is necessary to gather feedback from the local community. Even when things are going well in Yeongnam, a backlash can arise," adding, "If a sense of caution spreads, it can all fall apart in just one week."

In addition, regarding the Pyeongtaek-eul by-election in Gyeonggi Province, Song predicted that he would "100% win" even without consolidating candidacies with other pro-government candidates, such as Cho Kuk of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party or Kim Jae-yeon of the Progressive Party.