Amid Daejang-dong Favoritism Allegations
Myungchu Coalition and Nakyong Coalition in Focus
Resigned Candidate Kim Doo-kwan Declares Support for Governor Lee Jae-myung
[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jin-young] The ruling party's presidential primary has solidified into a two-strong candidate race between Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung, who aims to advance to the final round without a runoff, and former Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yeon, who seeks a turnaround in a runoff vote. Concerns arose that Lee Nak-yeon might withdraw after failing to secure a landslide victory in the Honam primary, but in a radio interview the previous day, when asked if his determination to complete the race remained unchanged, he sharply responded, "Why do you keep asking such questions? Isn't that rude?"
With additional candidate withdrawals now unlikely, fluctuations in support for the first and second place candidates seem to depend on the movements of the other candidates. For the frontrunner aiming to solidify dominance and the runner-up seeking a comeback, winning over the votes of the remaining candidates is crucial. After the Honam primary on the 26th, Representative Kim Du-kwan, who withdrew from the race, declared his support for Governor Lee. Former Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun did not explicitly express support, but 15 key members of the Busan campaign team declared their support for former leader Lee the day before.
It is also noteworthy that alliances are forming around the Daejang-dong scandal in TV debates, with the Myung-Chu (Lee Jae-myung and Choo Mi-ae) alliance and the Nak-Yong (Lee Nak-yeon and Park Yong-jin) alliance emerging. However, former Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae and Representative Park Yong-jin continue to express their intention to complete the primary. On the same day, Representative Park held a press conference appealing, "Please vote for Park Yong-jin in the second Super Week for change and the future." However, if a runoff vote is held only between the first and second place candidates, the endorsements and actions of Choo Mi-ae and Park Yong-jin could become significant variables.
The Democratic Party will hold primaries in Jeju on the 1st of next month, Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam on the 2nd, and Incheon on the 3rd, announcing the results of the second electorate. Subsequently, on the 9th and 10th, primaries will be held in Gyeonggi and Seoul respectively, with the results of the third electorate announced to finalize the runoff or main candidates.
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