Yoon Seok-yeol and Hong Joon-pyo Neck-and-Neck in Support Rates... Intensifying Rivalry in the 2nd Preliminary Primary

TV Debate Starting Today, Tense Exchanges Expected
Lee Jun-seok "Excessive Mutual Accusations
Requests Restraint Over Worrisome Behavior"

Yoon Seok-yeol, former Prosecutor General and presidential candidate of the People Power Party, is holding a press conference at the Daegu City Party Office on the 11th. 2021.9.11 [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Hyunju Lee and Juni Park] Former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol and People Power Party (PPP) lawmaker Hong Joon-pyo are reported to have secured first and second place within the margin of error in the PPP primary first-round cutoff, intensifying their life-or-death competition. As the contest becomes somewhat emotionally charged, voices from within the party are urging 'calmness.'

On the morning of the 16th, PPP leader Lee Jun-seok stated at the Supreme Council meeting, "Excessive mutual allegations are continuing," and added, "I request restraint regarding the recent worrying behavior of some candidates." He issued a 'warning card' to both former Prosecutor General Yoon and lawmaker Hong.

However, the two are expected to engage in a fierce battle of nerves during the TV debate starting that afternoon. Both sides have already exchanged heated words over allegations of involvement in the 'accusation inducement' scandal, and it appears they will maintain this mutual attack mode during the debate as well.

People Power Party presidential candidate Hong Joon-pyo is answering questions at the lively discussion hosted by the Korea Journalists Association, held at the Korea Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul on the afternoon of the 14th. 2021.9.14 Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group [Image source=Yonhap News]

There is also a significant difference in election strategies between the two candidates. Hong, who has recently been on an upward trajectory, enjoys overwhelming support from the 20s and 30s age group and male voters, and plans to continue this support flow starting with the youth demographic. Lee Jong-heon, an aide to Hong's campaign, said, "Support from the 20s and 30s has already increased significantly, and this trend will extend to other generations and regions," adding, "We plan to focus on expanding support among the youth as well as in Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province."

Former Prosecutor General Yoon plans to maintain his existing strategy of countering by targeting voters aged 50 to 60 and above, women, and centrists.

As the PPP primary heats up, former PPP Emergency Committee Chairman Kim Jong-in, who had been observing from outside the party, offered his commentary. He said that the recent attacks on former Prosecutor General Yoon not only from the ruling party but also from within his own party are 'natural because he has joined the party.' Regarding the narrowing gap in support between the two candidates, he appeared on CBS Radio that day and explained, "Since 80% of the first-round cutoff was based on general public opinion polls, Democratic Party supporters were mixed in the polling," adding, "Hong is not in a situation to be overly pleased or complacent." However, he also said, "Yoon's side will be nervous as well," and "From now on, I believe this will be an opportunity to employ new tactics."