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🇰🇷 South Korea /Elections & Politics

Parties in final sprint for local elections, urging supporters to vote

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • South Korean political parties are intensifying their campaigns ahead of the local elections, urging supporters to vote.
  • The Democratic Party is rallying its base to support President Lee, while the People Power Party calls for checks on the "arrogant" administration.
  • Both parties are focusing on key swing regions and addressing recent incidents, including a bridge collapse in Seoul.

With just one day remaining before early voting for the June 3 local elections, South Korea's major political parties are engaged in a final push to mobilize their supporters. The Democratic Party is urging voters to "empower President Lee" by casting ballots for their candidates, while the People Power Party is calling for a vote to "check the arrogant regime" and support their nominees.

To empower President Lee, please vote for Democratic Party candidates.

— Jeong Cheong-raeDemocratic Party leader Jeong Cheong-rae's appeal to voters to support the party's candidates to strengthen President Lee's position.

Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheong-rae took to the airwaves, warning that a poor election outcome would be detrimental to President Lee. He implored supporters of "democratic, reformist, and progressive forces" to turn out and vote, emphasizing the need for unity. The party's leadership is focusing on competitive districts in Seoul and North Jeolla Province, with Jeong personally campaigning in Seoul and Gyeongbuk. He highlighted a recent poll showing Democratic candidate Lee Won-taek leading against an independent candidate in North Jeolla, pledging to be more attentive to the voters' sentiments.

If the election goes wrong, it will be a big problem for President Lee. Please vote for Democratic Party candidates to give strength to President Lee.

— Jeong Cheong-raeJeong Cheong-rae's statement on the potential consequences of an unfavorable election outcome for President Lee.

Meanwhile, the People Power Party is also mobilizing its key figures. Leader Jang Dong-hyuk visited the Chungcheong region, a battleground for the gubernatorial race between incumbent Kim Tae-heum and Democratic candidate Park Soo-hyun. Former President Park Geun-hye has been campaigning in Gangwon Province and Gyeongbuk. Jang criticized the current administration's handling of the Starbucks "May 18 Tank Day" marketing controversy, warning that unchecked power could lead to a society where even "breathing is controlled."

If you come out to vote to check the arrogant regime and unqualified candidates, please lend your strength to People Power Party candidates.

— Jeong Hee-yongPeople Power Party election committee spokesperson Jeong Hee-yong's call for voters to check the current administration.

Both parties are also addressing recent public safety concerns. Candidates for the Seoul mayoral election, Jeong Yeon-ok of the Democratic Party and Oh Se-hoon of the People Power Party, both suspended campaigning after a bridge collapse in Seoul. They have since resumed, focusing on "a safe Seoul." Jeong pledged to establish a mayoral committee for life and safety, while Oh expressed deep responsibility for the incident and promised immediate action if elected.

The mayor's priorities determine the priorities of Seoul's administration.

— Jeong Yeon-okDemocratic Party candidate for Seoul mayor Jeong Yeon-ok on the importance of mayoral leadership.
DistantNews Editorial

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

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