Conservative Unification Approaching for the Opposition... 'Direct Confrontation' Strategy Amid Controversy

"Na Gyeong-yeong is fine" "v stands for Virtual" "A skilled problem solver" quotes lined up

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] Amid the heated primary race for the Seoul mayoral by-election, attention has been focused on the candidates' remarks ranging from 'Na Kyung-young' to comments on the 'Queer Festival,' resulting in frequent controversies. However, each candidate is characterized by a strategy of 'direct confrontation' in response to the controversies surrounding them.

The People Power Party is scheduled to hold its final unification announcement on the 4th of next month, while Ahn Cheol-soo of the People’s Party and Geum Tae-seop are set to announce their final unification on the 1st, drawing attention to whether the opposition candidates' 'sincerity strategy' will translate into votes.

"Na Kyung-won or Na Kyung-young?" vs "I don’t mind being Na Kyung-young"

Na Kyung-won, People Power Party Primary Candidate Photo by Yonhap News

On the 5th, Oh Shin-hwan, a People Power Party primary candidate, sparked controversy on his Facebook by criticizing his primary rival Na Kyung-won, saying, "Na Kyung-won or Na Kyung-young?" This was a mockery likening Na Kyung-won to Heo Kyung-young, leader of the National Revolutionary Party, emphasizing that Na Kyung-won's pledges were unrealistic. Oh said, "(Na Kyung-won) promises to cut property tax, comprehensive real estate tax, and capital gains tax while simultaneously pledging to support newlyweds who get married and have their first child with 117 million won," adding, "While low birthrate measures are good, claims should be realistic and consistent."

After the 'Na Kyung-young' remarks circulated among candidates, Na Kyung-won appeared on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' on the 9th and directly rebutted, saying, "If it is for future generations, I don’t mind being 'Na Kyung-young'." She reiterated the validity of her pledge, stating, "If young people move into that housing, get married, and have children, the maximum total interest support amount is 117 million won."

Even after Na Kyung-won's rebuttal, 'Na Kyung-young' was frequently mentioned in debates. On the 19th, during the second head-to-head debate, Jo Eun-hee reminded of the 'Na Kyung-young' remark and criticized, "When Oh Shin-hwan called Na Kyung-won 'Na Kyung-young,' I thought it was a metaphor, but looking at the funding for Na Kyung-won's pledge, I really worry if she might become like Heo Kyung-young, leader of the National Revolutionary Party." On the 23rd, during the third head-to-head debate, Oh Se-hoon also belittled Na Kyung-won's real estate policy, saying, "This is why the term 'Na Kyung-young' comes up."

Oh Se-hoon: From "v means VIP?" to "v means Virtual!"

Oh Se-hoon, People Power Party primary candidate Photo by Yonhap News

Oh Se-hoon faced difficulties early in the primary due to the 'v controversy.' On the morning of the 2nd, he raised an issue on Facebook regarding a document released by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy about North Korean nuclear power plant construction, claiming that the initial 'v' stood for 'VIP.' Oh emphasized, "We commonly refer to the president as VIP," adding, "Ultimately, those involved should know what 'v' refers to and what meaning it carries within the government."

This statement sparked attacks both inside and outside the political sphere. On the same day, Park Ju-min, a member of the Democratic Party, sharply responded on Facebook, saying, "Everyone knows that 'v' stands for 'Version'." Online, netizens continued to mock, prolonging the controversy.

However, Oh Se-hoon himself brought up the 'v controversy' and attempted to confront it head-on. In a 'v-Seoul Project' video released on YouTube on the 26th, he made a 'v' sign with his fingers and said, "Here, 'v' does not stand for VIP but for Virtual Seoul."

"We will elect a mayor who is a problem solver, not just a good talker"

Ahn Cheol-soo, Preliminary Candidate of the People’s Party / Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Ahn Cheol-soo, a People’s Party primary candidate, became the center of controversy for his remark that "people have the right to refuse the Queer Festival where sexual minorities gather." On the 18th, during the first TV debate with Geum Tae-seop, when Geum asked if he planned to attend the Queer Festival, Ahn responded, "There are people who do not want (the Queer Festival)," adding, "I believe those aspects should also be respected."

Following this remark, voices criticizing Ahn Cheol-soo's sensitivity to human rights emerged from political circles and civil society. Moreover, this Queer Festival controversy, along with past controversial remarks during election TV debates, led to repeated assessments that his debating skills are weak.

In response, on the 26th, the day after the second debate, Ahn appeared on YTN Radio's 'Hwang Bo-seon's Morning Start' and countered the evaluation of being weak in debates by saying, "What matters is sincerity and problem-solving ability." He emphasized, "Citizens will elect a mayor who is a problem solver, not just a good talker," adding, "In that case, I am the right person."