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🇰🇷 South Korea /Elections & Politics

South Korean party leaders court voters in Honam region ahead of convention

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Leading figures in South Korea's Democratic Party, Jung Chung-rae and Kim Min-seok, are campaigning in the Honam region to win over party members ahead of the August 17 convention.
  • Jung visited the birthplace of former President Kim Dae-jung in Shinan, vowing to follow his path of democracy and human rights.
  • Kim stayed at his home in Iksan, discussing his 'Mega Project' for a semiconductor ecosystem and highlighting its potential for regional development.

Ahead of the Democratic Party's national convention on August 17, key contenders for party leadership are actively seeking support in the crucial Honam region. Former party leader Jung Chung-rae and former Prime Minister Kim Min-seok are making strategic visits to the southern provinces, aiming to capture the hearts of party members who represent a significant voting bloc.

I will quietly follow in your footsteps on the path of democracy, human rights, and peace on the Korean Peninsula.

— Jung Chung-raeJung Chung-rae's statement on Facebook after visiting the birthplace of former President Kim Dae-jung.

Jung Chung-rae journeyed to the island of Haui in Shinan, South Jeolla Province, to visit the birthplace of the late former President Kim Dae-jung. In a Facebook post, Jung expressed his determination to follow in Kim's footsteps, stating, "I will quietly follow in your footsteps on the path of democracy, human rights, and peace on the Korean Peninsula." He emphasized that Kim's legacy was not exclusive to a few individuals and pledged to act with "acting conscience."

Meanwhile, Kim Min-seok spent his weekend at his home in Iksan, North Jeolla Province. He shared his thoughts on X, formerly Twitter, reflecting on his first restful weekend in years. Kim highlighted his long-standing affection for Iksan and discussed his vision for regional development, including the success of the Saemangeum Hyundai Motor investment. He also elaborated on his '3 Mega Projects' aimed at building a semiconductor ecosystem across the Honam, Chungcheong, and Yeongnam regions, projecting investments of approximately 1,558 trillion won. Kim believes these projects will be a "historic gamble" for the Lee Jae-myung administration and South Korea.

Mega Project is a historic gamble for the Lee Jae-myung administration and South Korea.

— Kim Min-seokKim Min-seok's statement about his proposed semiconductor ecosystem projects.

The Honam region, comprising North and South Jeolla provinces, is considered a major battleground for the convention, with over 30% of the Democratic Party's active members residing there. Representative Song Young-gil, another potential candidate, is also focusing his efforts on winning over younger voters, emphasizing the importance of securing the youth vote for the party's success in the 2030 presidential election.

We need to win the hearts of young people in their 20s and 30s to achieve re-election.

— Song Young-gilSong Young-gil's remarks at a Democratic Party youth meeting.
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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