Cheongwadae's 'Mouth' Challenge to Yeouido, the Intersection of a Flower Palanquin and Hardship

Former Spokesperson Gominjung Challenges General Election, Former Spokespersons Park Suhyun and Kim Uigyeom Also Preparing... Political Test, Both Nomination and Main Election Are Tough Processes

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] "I have acted as the president's voice for three years, but now I intend to become the voice of the people, pursuing my own convictions and political goals." Former spokesperson Go Min-jeong made this statement to reporters covering the Blue House and officially announced her challenge for the general election.

Former spokesperson Park Soo-hyun, a politician, and former spokesperson Kim Eui-gyeom, a journalist, also threw their hats in the ring for the April 15th 21st general election under the banner of the Democratic Party of Korea. The Blue House spokesperson is a position symbolizing the 'face' and 'voice' chosen by President Moon Jae-in. With almost daily appearances on TV, it offers high broadcast exposure, giving politicians an advantage in the important 'recognition competition.'

If combined with the current president's halo effect, it can provide an advantageous position not only in the party nomination but also in the general election. However, the scene of those trusted by the president entering Yeouido riding the so-called 'flower palanquin' contrasts sharply with the harsh realities of politics. The 'spotlight' lasts only briefly before they face various tests and verification processes.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The fairness of the nomination process, the results in the general election, and even legislative performance after winning are all subjects of public interest. There is also the burden that any personal fault could damage the president's image. Given that President Moon's term has passed the halfway point, it is noteworthy that the 'Blue House banner' does not act solely as a positive factor. The opposition party may also concentrate their efforts to induce defeat.

The situations of the three former Blue House spokespersons differ. The common point is that none of them can be optimistic about the future. Former spokesperson Go's decision to run in the general election is the result of encouragement from the ruling party. There has been continuous talk about her running in Ilsan, Goyang City, Gyeonggi Province, a district represented by female lawmakers.

At 40 years old, former spokesperson Go symbolizes a young female politician but is untested in practical politics. The key question is whether she can demonstrate the political skills to overcome the general election.

Former spokesperson Kim is preparing to run in Gunsan, Jeonbuk, but the Democratic Party's Candidate Verification Committee has put a hold on approving his preliminary candidacy due to the 'Heukseok-dong real estate' issue. This means it is not yet confirmed whether he can participate in the party primary under the Democratic Party banner.

Former spokesperson Park, a former lawmaker, has relatively advantageous political experience, but the constituency of Gongju-Buyeo-Cheongyang in Chungnam is a tough area. Fierce competition is expected against incumbent lawmaker Jeong Jin-seok of the Liberty Korea Party.

Um Kyung-young, director of the Era Spirit Research Institute, said, "Even if former spokespersons Park and Kim receive the Democratic Party nomination, the incumbent opposition lawmakers are formidable," adding, "If former spokesperson Go runs in Ilsan, public opposition to the 3rd new town development could be a variable, but judging by the region alone, the Democratic Party is not in a bad position."