Catch Jeong Sye-gyun's Support... Two-Strong Competition Begins Ahead of Honam Primary

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jin-young] Attention is focused on where the votes that supported former Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun, who withdrew from the presidential primary race, will go?whether to Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung or former Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yeon.

With the Honam primary voting set to take place over five days starting on the 21st, the two frontrunners are fervently courting the votes of the former prime minister from the Honam region. The 'top two' candidate Lee Nak-yeon must achieve a landslide victory in Honam to gain momentum to catch up with the leading candidate. Governor Lee Jae-myung also cannot be complacent, as he must maintain a majority to advance to the final round without a runoff.

Former Prime Minister Chung has solidified his organizational base through roles such as Speaker of the National Assembly and Prime Minister. About 20 lawmakers, including four-term lawmakers Ahn Gyu-baek and Kim Young-joo, and three-term lawmakers Kim Min-seok and Lee Won-wook, have been classified as part of the 'Chung Sye-kyun faction.' Capturing Chung’s organization has inevitably become a key variable in the Honam primary battle.

Although Chung did not express support for any particular candidate at his withdrawal press conference, stating he would "return to being a rank-and-file member and serve quietly," courting efforts have already begun. The day before, Governor Lee’s open campaign appointed Im Moo-young, former Secretary for Political Planning and a key figure in Chung’s camp, who served as campaign chief until just before Chung’s withdrawal. Lee Nak-yeon’s side is also conducting behind-the-scenes efforts to win over Chung’s organization.

However, lawmakers affiliated with the Chung Sye-kyun faction are expected to remain inactive for the time being. On the 15th, lawmaker Lee Won-wook said regarding his position, "There have been various talks about my stance. I ask that during the primary process, no expectations or comments be made about my role in other camps," adding, "I too will serve quietly alongside candidate Chung Sye-kyun."