Park Yong-jin and Kang Hoon-sik Confirm 'Eodaemyeong', Predict Major Chase... "The Atmosphere Will Change"

Park·Kang "Expected Outcome"
Park Yong-jin to Compete on Clear Policy Lines
Kang Hoon-sik, "Only Upward from Now"
Still Showing Differences in Atmosphere Regarding Unification

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] In the first regional primary election to select the next leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, candidate Lee Jae-myung confirmed his dominance by securing over 70% support from party members with voting rights, while candidates Park Yong-jin and Kang Hoon-sik have announced plans to counterattack. Both candidates described Lee's strong performance as an "expected result" and forecast a shift in momentum in the upcoming primaries.

After the announcement of the voting results from party members with rights in Gangwon, Daegu, and Gyeongbuk at EXCO in Buk-gu, Daegu on the 6th, candidates Park and Kang met with reporters to signal their "chase." Regarding the election results, Park said, "It's a bit disappointing," but added, "I will take the members' sentiments seriously and strive to achieve better results in the next primary regions." About Lee's overwhelming lead of over 70%, he said, "It was an anticipated part," but continued, "I believe that after the delegate voting and public opinion polls, these will serve as a foothold for the chase. There are voting results from Seoul metropolitan area and Honam region, as well as from Busan, Ulsan, Gyeongnam, and Chungcheong, where we will also prepare an active foothold for the chase."

Kang also called it an "expected result," but said, "This is just the beginning, and since the public has now been introduced to Kang Hoon-sik, only upward movement remains from here," adding, "I will work harder to create new changes without giving up until the end."

In future elections, Park revealed a strategy to emphasize clarity in contrast to Lee. He said, "Clear ideological struggle is essential for the party's victory," and warned, "If the party convention ends with just a mediocre atmosphere or a home-ground majority theory, it will be recorded as a convention that leaves nothing behind." He added, "Naturally, clear ideological struggles and necessary debates among candidates about ways for the party to win are needed."

Kang, whose base is in the Chungcheong region, announced a counterattack starting with the Chungcheong primary. He said, "The atmosphere will change by next week," and added, "By working in the Chungcheong region, we will create a new wave of change and continue it through Honam and Seoul." He also said, "Many people said they saw Kang Hoon-sik differently after today's speech," and added, "If people understand Kang Hoon-sik's thoughts and vision, I believe a new upset can definitely occur."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding unification, Park showed an active stance, while Kang took a reserved attitude.

Park said, "I am waiting (for contact)," and added, "Because of the earnest wishes of party members and the public, I don't think we can ignore or overlook their earnestness by putting forward any personal interests." He also said, "Both Kang and I will have more time to deeply consider this through today's party members' voting intentions."

Kang said, "I received today's results, but it's not the time to talk about unification," and added, "We will discuss it gradually."