As the Democratic Party's convention approaches in two days, candidates for party leader are emphasizing their connections to the Honam region to garner support. Jung Cheong-rae highlighted his status as a 'son-in-law' of Honam, while Song Young-gil referred to himself as a 'son,' and Kim Min-seok identified as a 'grandson.' They also underscored their ties to the late President Kim Dae-jung, a symbol of Honam politics.
At a joint speech event held on August 15 at the Naju Sports Park in Jeonnam, Jung stated, "I, Jung Cheong-rae, a son-in-law of Honam from Jangjin County, am here to greet you." He added, "Thanks to President Kim's painful leg, South Korea can walk straight. Because of the internet laid down by President Kim, our country became a powerhouse in internet technology, and as part of a cultural policy that supports without interference, we became a cultural powerhouse with BTS."
He continued, "From an internet powerhouse to an AI powerhouse, I will drive the Honam semiconductor cluster with my momentum and determination. I will ensure its success," while expressing his commitment to maintaining loyalty to President Lee Jae-myung.
Song introduced himself, saying, "As a son of Honam from Goheung, I am finally here to greet you all." He noted his past roles, including being the first young recruit brought in by President Kim, serving as a secretary to the late President Roh Moo-hyun, and as the head of the campaign committee for former President Moon Jae-in. "Who are the roots of the Democratic Party's administration?" he asked.
In response to Jung's claims of victories in the 6-3 local elections and the National Assembly by-elections, Song labeled them as 'creative accounting.' He asserted, "If we do not elect a new management team based on creative accounting, the next general election and the Seoul mayoral by-election will not be easy."
Kim stated, "I spent three years in prison in Gwangju, and there is an elementary school built by my great-grandfather in Jindo, Jeonnam. Jeonnam is my birthplace, while Jeonbuk is my residence and where I will spend my later years." He promised, "As a son of Gwangju and a grandson of Jeonnam, I will work with President Lee to secure the future of Gwangju and Jeonnam."
He also remarked, "When the government wavers and approval ratings fluctuate, the government shakes. There should be no conflict between the party and the government. I will work hand in hand with President Lee to ensure stable party-government unity and open a golden era for Honam through major projects."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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