Democratic Party leadership candidates Jung Cheong-rae, Kim Min-seok, and Song Young-gil visited the Honam region on August 4, ramping up their final campaign efforts. With one-third of party members located in Honam, the candidates engaged in a fierce battle ahead of a televised debate scheduled for August 5.
Jung focused on garnering support in Honam by visiting local markets in Gwangju and holding policy discussions with organizations such as the Association of the Disabled and firefighters. During a policy meeting with the Disabled Association, he stated, "Just as Honam has faced discrimination, so too have the disabled. I will work to address their grievances and provide solutions for both Honam and socially vulnerable groups."
Jung also continued his attacks on Kim, who raised allegations regarding Jung's ties to the Shincheonji cult. On Facebook, Jung demanded, "If you cannot substantiate your claims about Shincheonji, you should apologize. How long will you continue to jeopardize the party and act as if you are uninvolved?"
Following his visit to Honam on August 3, Kim targeted party sentiment in North Jeolla Province, visiting cities such as Namwon, Jeongeup, Gimje, and Iksan. He appeared on the YouTube channel 'Seoul's Voice' and reiterated the importance of the 'mega project' being pursued by the Lee Jae-myung administration in Honam, stating, "The most significant task is to ensure the success of the mega project."
Kim emphasized the need for seamless cooperation between the party and the government, indirectly criticizing Jung, who faced allegations of conflict during his previous leadership. On Facebook, Kim declared, "I will quickly fill the gaps in party-government cooperation. We are on the brink of a golden era, and we cannot destabilize the president and the government now."
Song, hailing from Goheung in Jeonnam, began his campaign in Honam by visiting Hwasun and Naju. At a public discussion in Hwasun, he promised to develop the vaccine bio-industry into a cluster and to work towards making Naju a hub for nuclear fusion energy.
Song also expressed concerns about the party's stability due to Jung's faction, stating, "I decided to run in the leadership election to prevent Jung from seeking re-election. I believe it is very dangerous for Jung's supporters to attack the president. I will address this issue in the upcoming leadership election. Uniting Song Young-gil from Honam with President Lee from Gyeongsangbuk-do is essential for national unity."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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