Democratic Party Rallies in Jeonbuk and Chungnam Ahead of Local Elections

The Democratic Party is pouring all its efforts into winning over voters in various parts of Jeonbuk and Chungnam, just nine days before the June 3rd local elections.

Jeong Cheong-rae, the general standing election committee chairman, visited Jeongeup and Jeonju in Jeonbuk, followed by Seocheon and Boryeong in Chungnam, to support candidates ranging from provincial governors to local council members.

Jeonbuk, in particular, is considered a traditional stronghold for the Democratic Party. However, this election has emerged as one of the fiercest battlegrounds due to the strong performance of independent candidate Kim Kwan-young.

Following Kim's expulsion from the party a day after allegations of 'cash distribution' were raised, Lee Won-taek, a close associate of Jeong Cheong-rae, won the primary. This has led to some within and outside the party viewing the Jeonbuk gubernatorial election as an 'internal conflict'.

Seemingly aware of this atmosphere, Chairman Jeong appealed for support at a central election committee meeting held in Jeongeup, saying, "If you support President Lee Jae-myung, please make Lee Won-taek the governor of Jeonbuk."

Jeong emphasized that Lee Won-taek is the only candidate who can work in sync with the Lee Jae-myung administration and the Democratic Party government. He reiterated his trust in the people of Jeonbuk, asking them to cherish and choose Democratic Party candidates, even if they feel the party has shortcomings or have been disappointed.

He launched a fierce attack on Kim Kwan-young, who is running as an independent after leaving the Democratic Party.

Citing a media report suggesting that President Lee had communicated with Kim before his independent candidacy, Jeong stated, "He has crossed the line far beyond what is acceptable. Upon checking with Cheong Wa Dae, they vehemently denied it, calling it serious false information dissemination." He added, "This is a dangerous gamble that puts President Lee in a difficult position, and it's hard to overlook this time."

"Would President Lee really have consulted with an independent candidate? I hope the person who made the statement directly explains and apologizes. He has caused great harm to President Lee," Jeong added.

Han Byung-do, the joint standing election committee chairman, also criticized Kim, saying, "Kim claims 'unfair nomination,' but it's just a rumor to pave his own political path." He pointed to a video showing Kim taking cash from his bag and handing it to a voter during a meal, which the public has seen.

Han argued that the core issue was not Chairman Jeong's alleged favoritism but the 'cash distribution,' and that it was a decision made with deep consideration for the Democratic Party's victory. He urged Kim not to use President Lee for his own votes and to stop dragging President Lee into the election campaign, stating there are lines that should not be crossed, no matter how desperate one is.

Lee Won-taek, the Jeonbuk gubernatorial candidate, also spoke out, saying, "Although the Democratic Party has its shortcomings, it has defended democracy and protected Jeonbuk at every turning point in history." He urged support for himself and other Democratic Party candidates, including Jeongeup mayoral candidate Lee Hak-soo and Gunsan, Gimje, Buan-gap candidate Kim Ui-gyeom, so that Jeonbuk can achieve great leaps forward.

After the election committee meeting, Jeong moved to Jeonju to campaign for regional candidates.

Together with Jeonbuk gubernatorial candidate Lee Won-taek and others, he met with citizens near Jeonbuk National University and bowed deeply, promising to do a great job in return for their continued love for the Democratic Party.

He mentioned the Saemangeum development project, stating, "Only if a Democratic Party candidate is elected can we secure and execute the budget for Jeonbuk's development." He urged voters to choose Lee Won-taek if they want the planned 9 trillion won investment from Hyundai Motor in Saemangeum to proceed without a hitch.

He then led a chant of "Thank you, President Lee Jae-myung, for doing a good job" three times and asked for overwhelming support for candidate Lee Won-taek to prevent the People Power Party from gaining a foothold in Jeonbuk.

However, some citizens staged a surprise protest during Jeong's rally in Jeonju, holding signs with messages such as 'Unfair Nomination' and 'Jeong Cheong-rae OUT'.

Jeong then traveled to Seocheon and Boryeong in Chungnam to support Chungnam Governor candidate Park Soo-hyun, Seocheon County Mayor candidate Yoo Seung-kwang, and Boryeong Mayor candidate Lee Young-woo, respectively.

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