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  • Candidates Clash Over Development Strategies in Jeonbuk Governor Debate
    Candidates Clash Over Development Strategies in Jeonbuk Governor Debate Lee Won-taek of the Democratic Party, independent candidate Kim Kwan-young, and Yang Jeong-moo of the People Power Party engaged in a heated debate over regional development strategies and each other's political and legal vulnerabilities during a televised debate on May 22 at KBS Jeonju Broadcasting. During the debate, Kim criticized Lee's "internal development strategy," stating, "While I agree with the idea of nurturing local businesses over attracting external companies, the reality is that local firms have limitations in their assets and capabilities to grow on their own." He emphasized the necessity of attracting external capital and large corporations, pointing out that Jeonbuk's competitiveness index was among the lowest in 2019, indicating that the internal development strategy had already failed. In response, Lee argued that the weakening of local businesses was due to insufficient support for the economic ecosystem and stressed the importance of preparing for future industries while focusing on nurturing local enterprises. "It's not that we shouldn't pursue future industries and investment attraction; the internal development strategy must be at the core," he asserted. Lee also launched an attack on Kim, raising allegations of his complicity in the "insurrection at the provincial office." He questioned Kim's compliance with illegal directives on December 3, stating, "The documents from the provincial office indicate that you followed the Ministry of the Interior and Safety's orders to restrict access to the office." Kim countered, saying, "The second comprehensive special investigation concluded that there were no charges against me. Why should I apologize when that conclusion is not acknowledged?" He challenged Lee's claims, stating, "If the allegations of complicity in insurrection against me and the Jeonbuk provincial officials are false, I would stake my political life on it." Lee rebutted, saying, "During the night of the insurrection, the Yoon Suk-yeol government's illegal martial law should have been opposed, not complied with. I pointed out that you acquiesced to it. I never said I would take political responsibility if the special investigation found no charges." Yang also targeted Kim's political history and legal issues, questioning his ability to address Jeonbuk's pressing issues as an independent governor after changing parties six times. "Can you really resolve many of Jeonbuk's challenges as an independent governor?" he asked. Kim clarified, "I only left the Democratic Party once and returned. This time, I was expelled against my will. To call this a party change or defection is misleading." Yang further raised concerns about allegations of cash payments for a chauffeur service, labeling it a serious crime that could invalidate the election. "If you are elected governor and the judiciary deems your election invalid, it would paralyze the administration and incur huge costs for a re-election," he warned. In response, Kim stated, "It has been clarified that the payments were made to young people for chauffeur services, and I took immediate action to recover the funds. As a legal professional, I have thoroughly reviewed this, and I expect a reasonable outcome from the prosecution and the courts."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-23 20:03:31
  • Jang Dong-hyuk Appeals for Support for Yang Hyang-ja in Gyeonggi Province
    Jang Dong-hyuk Appeals for Support for Yang Hyang-ja in Gyeonggi Province Jang Dong-hyuk, chairman of the People Power Party, visited Gyeonggi Province on May 22 to urge voters to support Yang Hyang-ja, the party's candidate for governor. He called for overwhelming support for a "clean and capable candidate who will shape the future of Gyeonggi Province." During a campaign rally at Beomgye Intersection in Anyang, Jang criticized Choo Mi-ae, the Democratic Party candidate, stating, "While Yang was on a hunger strike to prevent a strike at Samsung Electronics for the future of South Korea, Choo was nowhere to be seen. How can such a candidate be trusted with the future of Gyeonggi Province?" He further accused Choo of being a key player in damaging the country for the benefit of Lee Jae-myung, saying, "Choo knows nothing about Gyeonggi Province. She proved her ignorance during the internal party debate, yet she became a candidate by securing votes from the 'Kkaedal' (a strong support group for the Democratic Party)." Jang praised Yang as a "high school graduate who made a name for herself at Samsung Electronics," emphasizing her qualifications as the true capable candidate to lead Gyeonggi Province, the heart of the semiconductor industry. "Yang is the one who understands semiconductors and can best drive the future advanced industries," he asserted. He also endorsed Kim Dae-young, the candidate for Anyang mayor, describing him as a "true worker who has dedicated over 30 years to Anyang City," stating that he knows the city well and has devoted everything to its betterment. In response, Yang addressed Choo, saying, "I don't want to talk about a candidate who viewed Gyeonggi Province as just a stopover for two years. Gyeonggi is my life, my everything. The People Power Party will unite to take care of the lives of each citizen in Anyang." Yang announced her campaign slogan, "A Profitable Gyeonggi Province," pledging to create a region where young people do not struggle with finances, delaying education, marriage, or housing. The rally included Jang and other party leaders, such as Kim Min-soo, Jo Kwang-han, Choi Ji-ye, and Park Jun-tae. After the event in Anyang, Jang continued campaigning in Suwon and Ansan.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-23 18:45:26
  • Jo Eung-cheon Calls for Yang Hyang-ja to Clarify Stance on GTX Suspension
    Jo Eung-cheon Calls for Yang Hyang-ja to Clarify Stance on GTX Suspension Jo Eung-cheon, the Gyeonggi governor candidate from the Reform Party, urged Yang Hyang-ja, the People Power Party candidate, to clarify her position regarding the suspension of the GTX-A construction at Samsung Station, which was recently mentioned by Jung Won-o, the Democratic Party's candidate for Seoul mayor.During an emergency press conference at the National Assembly on May 22, Jo asked, "Do you agree with Jung's statement about halting the GTX-A construction at Samsung Station?"He emphasized that the GTX Samsung Station is crucial as it connects the GTX-A and C lines, affecting over 6 million residents in nearby areas. He stated, "Both lines link northern and southern Gyeonggi Province, which is vital for all Gyeonggi residents. Jung's unilateral decision to halt the construction is a reckless statement that would cut off access for Gyeonggi residents."Jo criticized the previous Moon Jae-in administration's promise of 'transportation first, housing later,' questioning the fate of Gyeonggi residents who had invested in new towns based on that assurance. "What happens to their dreams?" he asked.He further described Jung's remarks as an imperial mindset, suggesting that the mayor of Seoul can do anything, and accused him of betraying the promises made by their former president. Jo also suggested that Jung's comments might be an attempt to divert attention from his political troubles stemming from a past assault incident.Addressing Yang, Jo noted, "In a recent media interview, you stated that the omission of rebar is 'unacceptable,' yet you have remained silent on Jung's suspension of the GTX construction. Are you really a candidate for Gyeonggi governor? Are you part of the opposition? Or are you perhaps on the same team as Jung?"He questioned the rationality of overturning the entire project based on some errors, asking, "What is the reason for your silence in the face of such ignorance and excess? Do you know nothing about issues outside of semiconductors and have no position on them?"Jo concluded by stating, "If you continue to remain silent, it would be an admission that you are not the People Power Party candidate, but rather assisting Jung and effectively acting as the Democratic Party's campaign chair, which is why people refer to you as 'Jang Dong-hyuk's avatar.'"* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-23 18:18:00
  • People Power Party Calls Editing of Kim Tae-heums Remarks a Clear Violation of Election Law
    People Power Party Calls Editing of Kim Tae-heum's Remarks a Clear Violation of Election Law People Power Party officials criticized Daejeon MBC on May 22 for omitting candidate Kim Tae-heum's opening remarks during a televised debate for the Chungnam governor position, calling it "a clear violation of election law and deliberate electoral fraud," and announced plans for legal action.Jang Dong-hyuk, the party's representative, stated at a central election committee meeting in Yeouido, "I hope the Election Commission and police will immediately investigate MBC and thoroughly uncover the truth."He added, "The 'M' in MBC seems to stand for the Democratic Party," questioning how a technical error could occur when election laws prohibit editing broadcast debates. "Editing should not be possible in the first place, so how could there be a technical accident?"Jang also called for a thorough investigation into any directives or involvement from higher-ups, as well as connections with the Democratic Party, asserting, "If such manipulation continues in election broadcasts, it will lead to even more frightening election manipulation than the Druking scandal."Jung Hee-yong, the party's secretary-general, described the complete omission of Kim's opening remarks as a serious issue that clouds voters' judgment and undermines the integrity of the electoral process. He pointed out that this editing directly violates Article 82, Section 1 of the Public Official Election Act, which states that broadcasts must not be edited.He further noted that the debate was conducted in a one-take format, making separate editing unnecessary, and argued that the selective editing of Kim's remarks cannot be dismissed as a mere technical error. He criticized Daejeon MBC's apology as evasive and inconsistent with the facts.The People Power Party plans to collaborate with Kim's team to file a complaint with the Election Broadcasting Deliberation Committee and the National Election Commission, as well as pursue criminal charges.Earlier, on May 21, Daejeon MBC aired the debate without Kim's one-minute opening remarks. The network later explained that the omission was a mistake made during the editing of outtakes from the recording process.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-23 17:28:52
  • People Power Party Criticizes Jung Won-os Call to Halt GTX Construction
    People Power Party Criticizes Jung Won-o's Call to Halt GTX Construction The People Power Party criticized Jung Won-o, the Democratic Party's candidate for Seoul mayor, for announcing plans to halt construction on the GTX-A line at Samsung Station due to alleged rebar omissions. They labeled his statement as "political manipulation under the guise of safety." Jang Dong-hyuk, the party's representative, made these remarks during a central election campaign meeting in Yeouido, Seoul, stating, "Jung should stop inciting fear and engage in discussions instead." Jang further accused Lee Jae-myung of using Jung as a campaigner, saying, "As soon as I called for a thorough investigation into the rebar omissions at Samsung Station, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety rushed in as if they were waiting for my command." He added, "It was the Ministry of Land that suppressed the Seoul city's reports six times. If they are serious about an investigation, they should start with the Ministry of Land, not the city of Seoul." Jang criticized Jung for demanding a halt to construction, asserting that the project is already undergoing reinforcement work after professional reviews and safety checks. He remarked, "Jung is calling for a stop to construction while also threatening to halt the Han River bus service and dismantle the Gwanghwamun Square. This is reminiscent of Park Won-soon’s second term, where he halted projects like the DDP and Sebit Floating Islands." He emphasized, "Returning to a city that farms instead of governing is more unsettling than having a convicted felon as mayor." Song Eon-seok, the party's floor leader, also weighed in on the Samsung Station issue, stating, "Jung's declaration to halt construction is a politically motivated attack on Oh Se-hoon, rather than a responsible administrative decision. A responsible leader would at least examine the situation closely before making such declarations." He warned that prolonged delays in the GTX construction would severely impact commuters from southern Gyeonggi Province traveling to Seoul, questioning whether Choo Mi-ae, who is running for governor of Gyeonggi Province, has discussed this issue with Jung. Song urged Choo to clarify her position on the potential delays in the GTX-A construction and whether she agrees with Jung's call to halt it. He suggested that a thorough discussion in front of the citizens of Seoul and Gyeonggi would be the proper approach to address these concerns. He concluded by criticizing all candidates, including Jung, Choo, and Incheon candidate Park Chan-dae, for avoiding debates, urging them to stop evading discussions and seek the public's judgment through open dialogue.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-23 15:36:51
  • Park Soo-hyun and Kim Tae-heum Clash in TV Debate for Chungnam Governor
    Park Soo-hyun and Kim Tae-heum Clash in TV Debate for Chungnam Governor During a TV debate for the Chungnam governor election, Park Soo-hyun of the Democratic Party and Kim Tae-heum of the People Power Party engaged in a heated exchange over the failed administrative integration of Daejeon and Chungnam. Kim criticized Park, stating, "Last year, you said the integration was hasty and unlikely to succeed. Did you change your position only after President Lee Jae-myung suggested it?" In response, Park argued, "You were the one who initially advocated for administrative integration. When the government and the Democratic Party shifted to a supportive stance, you completely reversed your position. It’s like walking away from the table because the side dishes are insufficient." He added, "My stance hasn’t changed; the conditions have changed. With the Lee Jae-myung administration expressing a willingness to transfer financial resources and authority, now is the golden time for integration." The candidates also questioned each other on the feasibility and specifics of their campaign promises regarding the use of the Seonghwan Horse Racing Track, plans for areas affected by the closure of coal-fired power plants, and the power demands of AI data centers. However, as the debate progressed, the focus shifted from policy issues to personal histories and allegations against each candidate. Kim brought up Park's involvement with the UN Habitat Korea Committee, stating, "Although the investigation concluded without charges after several years, there are still aspects that are hard to understand. You claim it was a politically motivated investigation by the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, but isn’t it true that a fellow party member, the National Assembly Secretary-General, canceled the corporate registration and referred the case for investigation?" Park countered, asserting, "I bear no legal or moral responsibility. I have never received a single won in salary or even a credit card from that organization; in fact, I invested a lot of my own resources. I have endured significant pain and suffering over the past three years due to this issue, and now the People Power Party is bringing it up again while in power." The candidates also clashed over the proposed special law for the dismissal of charges. Kim accused Park of supporting the law, suggesting that it raises suspicions that the president is trying to eliminate his own legal troubles during his term. Park responded, "Before questioning the dismissal of charges, you should first address the issue of fabricated charges. If there were indeed fabricated charges by the prosecution, I maintain my belief that dismissing those charges is just." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 23:46:12
  • Park Min-sik Rules Out Alliance with Han Dong-hoon in Election Campaign
    Park Min-sik Rules Out Alliance with Han Dong-hoon in Election Campaign Park Min-sik, the People Power Party candidate for the Busan Buk-gap parliamentary by-election, dismissed the possibility of an alliance with other conservative candidates on the first day of his official campaign on May 21. "There will be no alliance. I will go all the way and win for sure," he declared, expressing his determination to complete the race.At the campaign launch held at Ssamji Park in Gupo Market, Park shaved his head and stated, "I will end Han Dong-hoon's predatory and parasitic politics and bring the Democratic Party's Lee Jae-myung government to its knees." His mother was the one who cut his hair.He emphasized, "This fight is a struggle to end arrogant betrayal politics and to defeat the hypocritical candidates like Ha Jeong-woo and the Lee Jae-myung government. I pledge to the residents that I will win in this critical battle."Targeting independent candidate Han Dong-hoon, he questioned, "Who is this intruder suddenly coming to our Buk-gu to act like the owner? Isn’t he the cruel traitor who imprisoned former President Lee Myung-bak, put former President Park Geun-hye in front of the judicial blade, and turned his back on President Yoon Suk-yeol to bring down the government?"He added, "He has not only driven three conservative presidents to the brink but was also the one who, during the 22nd National Assembly elections, blamed the president and others while leading the party and comrades to a crushing defeat. What did he use to escape from his incompetence and irresponsibility? It was the party members' bulletin board," he pointed out.Regarding the emergency martial law on December 3, he criticized, "He treated party members, who were in despair at the risk of the conservative collapse, as criminals while acting like a savior and treating our party as his trophy. How can such a person now talk about returning to the party? That itself is a disgrace to our conservatism and a deception that leads to its destruction."He warned, "The moment we tolerate Han Dong-hoon, we complete the path of Han Dong-hoon-style conservative devastation, Buk-gu plunder, and Democratic Party parasitism. That is not an alliance but a self-destructive act that hands Buk-gu over to the Democratic Party's Ha Jeong-woo and the Lee Jae-myung government."He concluded, "I, Park Min-sik, will surely win this battle. With my shaved head, filled with my mother's tears and determination, I will walk through the storm without faltering for a moment. I ask for your support."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 21:21:20
  • Intensified Pressure for Candidate Unification in Busan North Gap Election
    Intensified Pressure for Candidate Unification in Busan North Gap Election 6.3 National Assembly by-elections are heating up in Busan North Gap, where Hah Jung-woo of the Democratic Party and Han Dong-hoon, an independent candidate, are in a tight race. As pressure mounts for unification between Han and Park Min-sik of the People Power Party, the party is showing signs of division.According to political sources on May 21, Han has recorded a lead in support for the first time in the three-way race for the Busan North Gap by-election. Previously, Hah had consistently led in polls, but recent data shows a shift. A survey conducted by Channel A and Research & Research from May 17 to 19 among 500 eligible voters in the Busan North Gap district revealed Han with 34.6% support, Hah with 32.9%, and Park with 20.5%. The margin between Han and Hah is within the poll's margin of error of 1.7 percentage points (conducted via 100% mobile phone interviews, with a sample error of ±4.4 percentage points at a 95% confidence level and a response rate of 10%).In a hypothetical two-candidate scenario, Han also outperformed Hah. In a potential matchup between Hah and Park, Hah led with 42.6% to Park's 32.4%. However, in a direct contest between Han and Hah, Han garnered 44.1% compared to Hah's 37.6%. This suggests that calls for unification behind Han may gain traction.Within the People Power Party, voices urging for unification are growing louder. Representative Park Soo-young called on party leadership to make a decision regarding candidate unification for Busan North Gap. He reportedly stated in a group chat among lawmakers, "My district, Busan Nam-gu, is currently trailing by 10-15 percentage points against the Democratic Party, and without decisive action from the Busan city party and the central party, the election will be difficult." Most Busan lawmakers who gathered on May 17 also expressed support for unifying conservative candidates.Busan mayoral candidate Park Hyung-jun said on May 19, "If we create momentum through candidate unification in Busan North Gap, it will positively impact the overall elections in Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam. Nearly 70% of the People Power Party's supporters want unification, and responding to this is the candidates' public duty."However, Park and other leaders within the People Power Party maintain their opposition to unification. Park stated that a strategic unification would be a betrayal of the residents of North Gap, asserting, "Han is someone who has inflicted irreparable damage on the conservative camp." Earlier, party leader Jang Dong-hyuk also remarked on May 15 that "a unification based solely on vote calculations does not align with conservative values," emphasizing that the issue of unification should reflect the will of party members and the party itself.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 18:42:35
  • Jang Dong-hyuk Calls for Victory to Prevent Lee Jae-myungs Rule
    Jang Dong-hyuk Calls for Victory to Prevent Lee Jae-myung's Rule Jang Dong-hyuk, the leader of the People Power Party, urged supporters on May 21, the first day of the official campaign for the June 3 local elections and parliamentary by-elections, to secure victory to prevent Lee Jae-myung and the Democratic Party from gaining unchecked power.In a post on Facebook, Jang stated, "This election is about protecting the freedom and democratic order of South Korea."He expressed concern that President Lee would seek to erase his trial through a special investigation and amend the constitution to pave the way for long-term rule. Jang warned that after the local elections, policies such as raising property taxes and eliminating special deductions for long-term holdings could lead to a housing crisis where citizens are forced out of their homes.Jang also criticized potential tax increases on sugar, tobacco, and alcohol, asserting that the People Power Party would protect citizens from what he termed Lee's plundering of the public's resources and property.He emphasized that this election is also about ensuring national security, claiming that Lee is inciting the public under the guise of "self-reliance" and "sovereignty," with the ultimate goal of withdrawing U.S. troops from South Korea and dismantling the U.S.-South Korea alliance.Jang pointed out that while remaining silent on drone attacks from Iran, an ally of North Korea, Lee has directed fake news and criticism towards Israel, a U.S. ally. He affirmed that the People Power Party would work alongside the public to ensure the survival of South Korea."This is a challenging election. However, more citizens are awakening," Jang remarked. He noted that the reality of Lee and the Democratic Party's threats to citizens' freedoms, livelihoods, and national security is becoming clearer. He encouraged supporters to run tirelessly and speak out, believing that more citizens would recognize the truth and support the People Power Party.He concluded, "We will win if we run together. June 3 will be the day we rebuild South Korea."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 12:28:21
  • Han Dong-hoon Discusses Possibility of Unification in Election Campaign
    Han Dong-hoon Discusses Possibility of Unification in Election Campaign Han Dong-hoon, an independent candidate in the Busan North Gap by-election, stated on May 19 that public sentiment is guiding the potential for unification with Park Min-sik, the candidate from the People Power Party. He also claimed that if the Democratic Party candidate wins, President Lee Jae-myung will push for the cancellation of his indictment.During a press conference at his campaign office in the Hanjin Building in Busan, Han said, "Public sentiment is already showing how votes should be consolidated to defeat the representative of the Lee Jae-myung administration, which is recklessly pushing for indictment cancellation."He added, "Nothing is absolutely impossible in this world. Those who say otherwise are often harboring fear in their hearts," leaving the door open for a potential unification of the opposition.Han expressed concern about his competitor, Ha Jung-woo of the Democratic Party, saying, "He claims he was sent here on the orders of President Lee. If Ha is elected, it will be as if President Lee received permission here to proceed with the cancellation of the indictment."He continued, "I have been at the forefront of fighting against the cancellation of the indictment, and if it becomes a reality, I will even advocate for impeachment. There is a clear line drawn between President Lee and myself."Han emphasized that rebuilding conservatism involves navigating through the challenges of martial law and impeachment, stating, "If we had regained the right to speak through that process, President Lee would not have been able to go as far as seeking indictment cancellation."He also remarked, "If I, along with ten other lawmakers, had not prevented martial law, would the People Power Party be able to campaign in red uniforms now? I will definitely win and restore the right to speak for conservatism."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-19 17:34:50