Jeonbuk Governor Race Heats Up with Negative Attacks, Proxy Battle Dynamics

The race for Jeonbuk provincial governor has devolved into a fierce battle of negative campaigning between the Democratic Party's Lee Won-taek and independent candidate Kim Kwan-young as the election nears its end. Both campaigns are now centered on allegations and criticisms aimed at the opposing candidate.

Lee's campaign has leveled accusations against Kim, including suspicions of vote-buying and disseminating false information, even calling for Kim's withdrawal from the race. They have also criticized figures who have publicly endorsed Kim, such as former Democratic Party leader Song Young-gil, whose remarks supporting Kim were deemed "unethical conduct" by Lee's camp. Lee's campaign has also targeted endorsements from individuals with far-right leanings.

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Kim Kwan-young is also a person chosen by President Lee Jae-myung.

In response, Kim's campaign has strongly refuted the Democratic Party's actions, characterizing the party's disciplinary measures against Kim and their election tactics as "political oppression" and an attempt to "distort public sentiment." Kim's camp alleges a systematic campaign of slander by the Democratic Party and is counterattacking by raising past statements and various suspicions surrounding Lee. They have also intensified their criticism of the Democratic Party's leadership, arguing that the election is being manipulated by a specific political faction, thereby distorting the choices of Jeonbuk residents.

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This election is being distorted by the Democratic Party leadership. They are pushing the choices of Jeonbuk residents into the interests of a specific political force.

The election is increasingly viewed as a proxy battle, extending beyond the gubernatorial race to encompass internal power dynamics within the Democratic Party. While ostensibly a contest between a Democratic Party candidate and an independent, the race is interpreted as a reflection of the ongoing debate surrounding the leadership of Chairman Jung Cheong-rae. Supporters of Jung's leadership are backing Lee, while figures critical of the Democratic Party's nomination process and leadership are rallying around Kim. Some local political figures have openly criticized the nomination process and declared their support for Kim.

Adding to the heated atmosphere, a physical altercation occurred when a campaign worker for Lee lay down in front of Kim's campaign vehicle during a dispute over vehicle placement. Both campaigns expressed regret over the incident, with Kim's camp calling for a dignified conclusion to the campaign and Lee's camp emphasizing mutual concession and consideration. The campaign worker involved has been dismissed.

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If I win, I will strive to change the leadership at the party convention in August. After that, I will seek readmission to the party.