"Walking Together with Honam"... People Power Party Expands Honam Outreach as 'Second Constituency'

Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, is attending the emergency discussion on "The U.S. Presidential Election and the Outlook on Korea-U.S. Relations" held at the National Assembly on the 23rd, delivering a greeting./Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] The People Power Party, which has expanded its base in Honam through Kim Jong-in, the Emergency Response Committee Chairman's 'kneeling apology,' unveiled a 'second constituency' strategy within Honam. This is part of a strategy to secure the support of moderate voters by using Honam as a foothold.

The People Power Party's National Integration Committee held a 'Honam Accompanying Members of Parliament Launch Ceremony' on the morning of the 23rd at the steps in front of the National Assembly main building, with 48 members participating.

Kim Jong-in, Chairman of the People Power Party's Emergency Response Committee, said, "(The predecessor of the People Power Party) the United Future Party failed to produce even a single elected candidate in the Honam region. It was not just a matter of winning but not even properly fielding candidates," adding, "This disappointed not only Honam but the entire nation."

He said, "No matter how difficult the conditions, it is important to never give up and to reach out until the end," adding, "If the party does not rush, looks at public sentiment rather than poll numbers, takes care of the Honam region, and communicates with residents, trust will build and sincerity will be conveyed."

Floor Leader Joo Ho-young also said, "It is too late. We apologize to Honam," and appealed, "From now on, the People Power Party will do well. Please open your hearts and give us your support." He said, "We will accompany Honam," quoting, "'若無湖南 是無國家 (If there is no Honam, there is no nation).' Without Honam, there is no Republic of Korea."

Honam Accompanying Members of Parliament refers to lawmakers who designate a Honam constituency as their 'second constituency' in addition to their own electoral district. In Gwangju Metropolitan City, a symbol of the May 18 Democratic Movement and a stronghold of the Democratic Party of Korea, five senior lawmakers from the Yeongnam region, including three-term Ha Tae-kyung, Jang Je-won, Yoon Young-seok, Lee Chae-ik, and Yoon Jae-ok, were included. Additionally, a total of eight members were assigned, including first-term Kim Yong-pan from Daegu and Gyeongbuk (TK), first-term party spokesperson Kim Eun-hye, and proportional representative Kim Ye-ji.

In Jeonju City, second-term Chu Kyung-ho and first-term Kim Seung-su, both from TK, and Song Eon-seok, the Emergency Response Committee Chairman's secretary and a second-term lawmaker, were assigned respectively. First-term Yang Geum-hee and three-term Kim Sang-hoon from TK were assigned Jeonbuk's Iksan and Jeongeup as their second constituencies, respectively, and Kim Seok-ki, re-elected in Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk, was assigned Namwon City. Emergency Response Committee member Sung Il-jong was assigned Sunchang County, and floor spokesperson Choi Hyung-do was assigned Jangsu County.

Also, in Mokpo City, Jeonnam, four-term senior lawmaker Kim Ki-hyun was assigned, and in Yeosu City, Jeonnam, two lawmakers from Busan and Gyeongnam (PK), three-term Kim Do-eup and first-term Ha Young-je, were assigned. First-term Kim Woong and Kim Young-sik were assigned to Suncheon City, party spokesperson Bae Hyun-jin to Gwangyang City, and floor deputy leader Kim Sung-won to Wando County, respectively.

The second constituency was assigned based on lawmakers' applications, and they are expected to work with the National Integration Committee to monitor Honam public sentiment and reflect it in policies. This appears to be an expression of the party's intention to actively send love calls to Honam, which has been politically barren ground for the People Power Party. Jeong Un-cheon, Special Commissioner for National Integration, previously proposed various 'embracing Honam' measures, including recommending 25% of candidates within the top 20 proportional representation slots to be from the Honam region.