By-Elections Heat Up as Parties Risk Everything

Excitement is building in the political world as by-elections for local government leaders approach next month.

Representatives from each party are going all out, with Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People Power Party, taking the podium to the applause of supporters.

“We want to work for Geumjeong. The People Power Party will become Geumjeong’s power in Busan!” Han declared.

Lee Jae-myeong, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, also visited Geumjeong in Busan, bringing out the “judgment theory” again.

“This cannot continue. Now we, the citizens of Busan and Geumjeong-gu, must clearly demonstrate that we cannot continue like this!” Lee emphasized.

A “Judgment Panel” for Public Sentiment

Although these are small-scale elections to elect a district mayor and three county governors, both the ruling and opposition parties are putting their lives at risk.

The fact that this is an election in the nature of a “judgment panel” where public sentiment can be re-confirmed after the general election in April is generating excitement.

The first election held since the launch of the Han Dong-hoon system and Lee Jae-myung’s second term system is also a significant factor.

Battle of Nerves Within the Same Camp

The battle of nerves within the same camp is as fierce as the competition between ruling and opposition parties.

In Ganghwa, Incheon, a conservative vote split emerged as a variable as candidate Ahn Sang-soo, who was mayor of Incheon, left the People Power Party and ran as an independent candidate.

“If you leave the party and run even if you have the opportunity to run in the primaries… it is an unjustified action,” Han Dong-hoon said.

Leadership at Stake

Depending on the results of these by-elections, it seems inevitable that each party’s leadership will be held accountable.

If MP Han Dong-hoon fails to maintain two strong conservative constituencies, he will inevitably suffer a major blow to his leadership following his defeat in the general election.

If Rep. Lee Jae-myeong fails to protect his glory and grief, his leading position in Honam could be threatened.

Rep. Cho Kuk finds himself at a crossroads where he will have to demonstrate that the widely won proportional votes in Honam are still valid.

I’m Go Jae-min from MBC News.

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