Park Geun-hye to Campaign in Chungbuk, Daejeon After Daegu; First Since Impeachment 9 Years Ago

Former President Park Geun-hye has begun campaigning for People Power Party candidates in the upcoming local elections, with a particular focus on the Yeongnam and Chungcheong regions. This marks her first public campaign appearances since her impeachment nine years ago, signaling a potential return to the political forefront.

Park's campaign itinerary includes a visit to the birthplace of her mother, 육영수 (Yuk Young-soo), in Okcheon, North Chungcheong Province. She is expected to join local candidates such as Kim Young-hwan for the Chungcheong Province governor race and Jeon Sang-in for the Okcheon County mayor position, naturally lending her support to their campaigns. In the afternoon, she is scheduled to visit the election camp of Lee Jang-woo, the People Power Party's candidate for Daejeon mayor. Lee's campaign explained that Park personally trusts Lee, who was a prominent member of the pro-Park faction during his time as a National Assembly member in 2016 and opposed Park's impeachment.

Earlier, on March 23rd, Park visited the Chilseong Market in Daegu with Chu Kyung-ho, the People Power Party's candidate for Daegu mayor. During this visit, Park praised Chu, stating, "I believe Chu will devise good policies as he is well aware of the difficult economic situation." Chu is currently in a tight race against Kim Bu-gyeom of the Democratic Party, according to various opinion polls. When asked by reporters if she would also meet with Kim Bu-gyeom, Park simply smiled without comment.

“

I believe Chu will devise good policies as he is well aware of the difficult economic situation.

Park is expected to continue her campaign support for People Power Party candidates across the Yeongnam and Chungcheong regions until the local elections on June 3rd. Yoo Young-ha, a close aide to Park, indicated that she would likely visit Busan and Ulsan as well, and a visit to Chungnam Province is also being considered. Kim Tae-heum, a candidate for Chungnam governor, was a prominent pro-Park figure during his time as a lawmaker, while Park Heong-joon, a candidate for Busan mayor, was a key figure in the pro-Lee Myung-bak faction.

Park's return to the campaign trail has drawn mixed reactions. Some within the People Power Party believe her support will significantly benefit candidates in closely contested races in the Yeongnam region. However, others express concern that her prominent involvement, given her impeachment, could alienate centrist voters and those in the Seoul metropolitan area, potentially backfiring.

“

I think she will go to Busan, Ulsan, and Daegu. Chungnam Province will be decided soon.