Pyeongtaek-B by-election heats up with candidates emphasizing local commitment
Translated from Korean and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.
At a glance
- Candidates in the Pyeongtaek-B constituency by-election are actively campaigning, with party unification emerging as a key factor.
- Democratic Party candidate Kim Yong-nam stated he has no intention of running for president after winning, contrasting himself with rivals.
- Other candidates, including Cho Kuk of the Rebuilding Korea Party and Yoo Eui-dong of the People Power Party, are emphasizing their local ties and commitment to the constituency.
The Pyeongtaek-B constituency by-election is heating up as five candidates intensify their campaigns, with the crucial issue of party unification looming large. The race is particularly intense, with candidates from major parties vying for voter support across various local venues.
There are too many things that need to be done for the Pyeongtaek-B region. I have no intention of running for president as soon as I get elected, nor will I waste my term like some candidates who achieved nothing despite being elected three times.
Democratic Party candidate Kim Yong-nam has clearly stated his commitment to Pyeongtaek, asserting that he has no immediate presidential ambitions, a direct jab at rivals like Cho Kuk and Yoo Eui-dong. This stance aims to reassure voters of his dedication to local development rather than national aspirations.
Meanwhile, Yoo Eui-dong of the People Power Party is championing the 'local worker' narrative, questioning the sincerity of candidates who haven't lived in Pyeongtaek long. Cho Kuk of the Rebuilding Korea Party is urging voters to choose individuals over parties, promising to work towards the unity of the progressive camp if elected.
How can you trust the pledges made by someone who hasn't lived in Pyeongtaek for even a month? The person entrusted with Pyeongtaek's future must be someone who truly knows the region.
The election is shaping up to be a three-way race between Kim Yong-nam, Cho Kuk, and Yoo Eui-dong, according to recent polls. The outcome will likely depend on how effectively candidates can mobilize their bases and potentially consolidate support through last-minute unification efforts, reflecting the dynamic nature of South Korean politics.
This time, please choose the person, not the party. If elected to the National Assembly, I will immediately take action for the unity and integration of the democratic and reformist camp.
Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.