Gangwon Governor urges party leader: 'Central party news makes my heart sink'

As the Gangwon Ilbo, we report on the urgent plea from our provincial Governor, Kim Jin-tae, to the leadership of the People Power Party. Governor Kim's direct appeal to Party Chairman Jang Dong-hyuk, delivered with palpable frustration, underscores the critical challenges facing our local candidates in the upcoming elections. His message is clear: without robust support from the central party, victory in Gangwon is a distant prospect.

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When I visit the field, many people say they were originally supporters of the 'red party,' but they are so frustrated with the central party that they don't want to vote.

Governor Kim articulated a sentiment echoed by many grassroots supporters across the province. He conveyed that while many are historically loyal to our 'red party,' their enthusiasm wanes when they hear disheartening news from the central party headquarters. This disconnect is not merely an abstract political issue; it directly translates into potential voter apathy, a prospect that sends shivers down the spine of any candidate fighting for survival with elections just 42 days away.

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At first, I thought I just had to work hard myself, but the party needs to provide some support.

The Governor's plea for Chairman Jang to exercise '결자해지' (gyeolja-haeji) – essentially, to take responsibility and resolve the issues he helped create – is a powerful call for accountability. Kim Jin-tae invoked their past collegial relationship, suggesting a desire for the Chairman to return to a more proactive and supportive stance. This is not just about winning elections; it's about the party's credibility and its ability to connect with the very people it seeks to represent in Gangwon.

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If those people don't show up to vote, we have no hope.

From our perspective here in Gangwon, the national party's internal dynamics and public image have a direct and often disproportionate impact on our local races. While national media might focus on the political maneuvering in Seoul, we are acutely aware of how every headline from the central party office can either energize or demoralize our voters. Governor Kim's candid remarks highlight this crucial local reality, emphasizing that the party's success in Gangwon is intrinsically linked to its perceived strength and integrity at the national level. We hope Chairman Jang heeds this vital message from the heart of our province.

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Every time central news breaks, my heart sinks.