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Jung Cheong-rae meets Yoo Si-min for first time since reconciliation, asks for support for Seoul candidate

From Hankyoreh · (6m ago) Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Democratic Party leader Jung Cheong-rae met with author Yoo Si-min at an event for a shoe brand.
  • Jung asked Yoo to support Seoul mayoral candidate Jung Won-oh, to which Yoo responded positively.
  • The meeting marked the first public appearance of Jung and Yoo since resolving a 20-year-old conflict.

The Hankyoreh notes the significant public interest surrounding the first meeting between Democratic Party leader Jung Cheong-rae and author Yoo Si-min since they resolved a long-standing personal conflict. Their reconciliation, occurring after two decades of estrangement stemming from political differences during the early 2000s, has drawn attention, especially as they appeared together at an event for the social cooperative "Shoes Made of Scenery," known for its "Moon Jae-in shoes."

You really have to help him. Personally.

โ€” Jung Cheong-raeJung Cheong-rae, referring to Seoul mayoral candidate Jung Won-oh, to author Yoo Si-min at a shoe brand event.

Jung's subtle but clear request for Yoo's support for Jung Won-oh, the Democratic Party's candidate for Seoul mayor, highlights the political undertones of their reunion. Yoo's response, acknowledging Jung Won-oh's current efforts, suggests a potential endorsement, though he maintained a degree of neutrality. The event itself, held at a shoe store in Seongsu-dongโ€”a district where Jung Won-oh achieved success in urban regeneration during his tenure as Seongdong District Mayorโ€”provided a fitting backdrop for these political discussions.

He is doing well right now.

โ€” Yoo Si-minYoo Si-min's response when asked by reporters if Jung Cheong-rae had asked for election-related advice for Jung Won-oh.

This encounter is particularly noteworthy given the history between Jung and Yoo. Their past animosity, rooted in ideological clashes within the Uri Party, saw Jung labeling Yoo as a "flatterer" and a member of the "pro-Roh faction." Their recent reconciliation, initiated by Yoo's public apology and reciprocated by Jung, signifies a significant shift in their relationship. The Hankyoreh frames this as a moment of political maneuvering within the party, subtly observing how personal relationships can intersect with electoral support, a dynamic often closely watched in South Korean politics.

I apologized twice as much. Please forgive me.

โ€” Jung Cheong-raeJung Cheong-rae's response on Facebook after Yoo Si-min apologized for their past conflict.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.