Presidential Candidate Registration D-7: Major Parties Make Decisive Moves
- Yoon Focuses on Highlighting Personal Competitiveness
- Lee Meets Kim Jong-in to Expand Support Base
[Asia Economy Reporter Baek Kyunghwan] With just over a month left until the presidential election, the two major parties have begun to change their election strategies. In a situation where the approval ratings of Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, and Yoon Seok-youl, the People Power Party presidential candidate, are neck and neck, both sides see the week before the candidate registration deadline as the decisive moment. The ruling party is shifting its focus from personalities to the overall framework, while the opposition party is seeking ways to strengthen its strategy by emphasizing personalities following the call for regime change. The movements of Ahn Cheol-soo, the People’s Party presidential candidate, who has emerged as the biggest variable that could shake up the presidential race, are also drawing attention.
According to political circles on the 7th, Yoon visited the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the afternoon to present his economic vision for the direction of the Korean economy amid the global economic environment. He is expected to reveal his ideas on various issues such as digital transformation, the US-China conflict, and climate change, and will also have time to discuss major economic issues with business leaders. A People Power Party official explained, "(Yoon) also met with business leaders at the end of last year to hold a roundtable on issues such as the labor director system in public institutions," adding, "Today, there will be broad discussions on economic regulations and investment."
In political circles, it is interpreted that Yoon’s camp, which had so far focused on rallying public opinion for regime change, has begun to shift toward presenting Yoon as an “expert capable of managing state affairs.” Given that Yoon has been evaluated as having less understanding of state management compared to Lee in previous debates and policy discussions, the strategy now is to emphasize policy alternatives to attract moderate voters.
Yoon’s presidential pledge book is also expected to be released as early as this week. It is known that Yoon himself may directly announce key economic pledges. Internally, they are reportedly reviewing economic pledges to be presented in upcoming TV debates. There is also speculation that tax normalization and deregulation measures mentioned in previous debates may be further detailed and disclosed.
Lee, under the concept of a competent economic president to overcome crises, continues to differentiate himself from Yoon while beginning to introduce a strategy of expanding his support base. This is in line with Lee’s surprise meeting with former People Power Party general election committee chairman Kim Jong-in the previous day, aiming to change the pattern of consolidation among conservative and progressive support groups commonly seen in various polls.
This appears to be a request for support from Kim Jong-in as it has been difficult to break out of the current stalemate despite close approval ratings with Yoon. It is understood that Lee sees it as urgent to leverage Kim, who has led many election victories by expanding support bases, to attract undecided voters beyond just consolidating his camp.
Changes within the campaign headquarters have already begun. Woo Sang-ho, the general election headquarters chief, said at a press briefing the day before, "In the three major structures of the election?framework, personalities, and issues?we are somewhat disadvantaged in the framework," adding, "Now we will reconsider the framework. These are major strategies for the final stage." Since issues related to both candidates do not significantly affect approval ratings and Lee holds an advantage in personality evaluations, this is interpreted as an attempt by the campaign headquarters to shake up the framework and bring changes to the support base.
Ahn has been emphasizing his determination to complete the presidential race daily, drawing attention by mentioning former President Roh Moo-hyun. Ahn said, "Now that Roh Moo-hyun is gone, someone must dedicate their life and political fate to breaking the factional politics that divide the people and live off the mistakes and windfalls of opponents," adding, "Though small, I want to say that I, Ahn Cheol-soo, am currently walking that path." Conscious of Lee and Yoon’s references to former President Roh, he added, "If I am elected, I will form a national unity cabinet where capable citizens can participate regardless of political factions."
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