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.'
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. Thanks to former President Kim Dae-jung's painful leg, South Korea can walk straight. Because of the internet laid down by him, our country became a powerhouse in internet technology, and as part of a cultural policy that supports without interfering, we became a cultural powerhouse with BTS."
He added, "As an internet powerhouse, I will push forward with the Honam semiconductor cluster with my drive and determination. I will ensure its success," while also expressing his commitment to maintaining loyalty to President Lee Jae-myung.
Song introduced himself by saying, "As a son of Honam from Goheung, I am finally here to greet you all. I was the first young blood recruited by former President Kim, served as a secretary to former President Roh Moo-hyun, and was the head of the campaign for former President Moon Jae-in, as well as the chief campaign chair for President Lee. Who are the roots of the Democratic Party's administration?"
In response to Jung's claims of victories in the 6-3 local elections and the National Assembly by-elections, Song labeled it 'creative accounting.' He argued, "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. To ensure a stable party-government unity, I will join hands with President Lee to robustly open the golden age of Honam through mega-projects."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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