Jang Dong-hyuk visits Jeju; gubernatorial candidate pursues separate schedule

Jang Dong-hyuk, the leader of South Korea's People Power Party, arrived in Jeju on June 1st to rally support for the upcoming local elections, just two days before the main vote. However, his visit was notably uncoordinated with the party's own candidate for provincial governor, Moon Sung-hyo, who pursued his own campaign schedule.

Jang began his day at Dongmun Market in Jeju City, attempting to rally conservative voters. He was accompanied by party officials, including Supreme Council member Kim Min-soo and Jeju Provincial Party Election Committee Chairman Jang Sung-chul. Despite the party leader's presence, Moon Sung-hyo, the People Power Party's gubernatorial candidate, was absent. Instead, Moon held a press conference criticizing his Democratic Party opponent, Wi Seong-gon, and planned a series of "guerrilla public" rallies throughout the day.

Moon's campaign stated they were not officially requested to join Jang's schedule and only learned of the party leader's visit the previous day. They explained that they could not alter pre-arranged public commitments with constituents. While the official reason cited was difficulty coordinating schedules with the central party, sources suggest Moon's team may have judged Jang's support as potentially detrimental in Jeju, a region heavily dominated by the Democratic Party.

Jang's itinerary also included a visit to Go Ki-cheol, a candidate in a by-election for the National Assembly. However, this plan was scrapped following a fatal explosion accident at a Hanwha Aerospace facility. Jang concluded his Jeju trip with a brief visit to Go's election office. Go, a former Jeju Police Chief, has faced criticism for attending past rallies opposing impeachment.