Kang Hoon-sik Fails to Turn the Tide Despite Being a Chungcheong Region Candidate
Park Yong-jin Falls Short of 17% in Expected National Poll
'Eodaemyeong' Breakthrough Draws Attention as Unification Option
[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] As the Democratic Party of Korea's party convention passes the halfway mark, Park Yong-jin and Kang Hoon-sik candidates face deep concerns amid Lee Jae-myung's solo lead. The possibility of candidate unification remains a key point of attention.
On the afternoon of the 14th, after completing a joint speech meeting for Daejeon and Sejong at Hanbat Sports Complex in Daejeon, candidate Lee received a report showing he had accumulated 73.28% of the votes. Candidate Park Yong-jin received 19.90%, and candidate Kang Hoon-sik garnered 6.83%. This result includes the votes of party members from Gangwon, Daegu, Gyeongbuk, Jeju, Incheon, Busan, Ulsan, Gyeongnam, with the newly added results from the Chungcheong region.
Initially, since Chungcheong was considered Kang's stronghold, there was speculation that a new wave might arise to counter Lee's solo lead. However, Lee secured first place with 66.77% in Chungnam, 74.09% in Chungbuk, 76.22% in Sejong, and 73.84% in Daejeon. Kang came in second in Chungnam with 17.29%, but in Chungbuk (4.57%), Sejong (5.42%), and Daejeon (6.09%), he ranked third behind both Lee and Park.
For Kang, who had hoped for a consolidation of votes in Chungcheong, this result is inevitably disappointing. Moreover, the low voter turnout is also a painful point. After the results were announced, Kang said, "The low voter turnout in Chungcheong due to heavy rain is regrettable."
It is also noteworthy that in the national public opinion poll, Lee's overwhelming support was even greater than in the party member vote. Lee confirmed an overwhelming support rate of 76.69% in the first national public opinion poll. Park received 16.96%, and Kang 3.35%.
For Park, who had hoped to perform well in the national poll, the result was also disheartening. After the announcement of the primary results, Park said, "The poll results are limited as they targeted only party supporters and independents, not the entire general public, but since it was a method reflecting public opinion that we agreed upon, we accept the results."
For Kang, who aimed to raise his low recognition and counterattack through the party convention, the Chungcheong results and the less than 5% support in the national poll are painful setbacks.
Park plans to seek a turnaround in Honam and other regions. He said, "I will focus more on the remaining Honam and metropolitan areas, the second national public opinion poll, and delegates to make every effort to create an upset. Tomorrow, I have events scheduled in Gwangju and Jeonju. I plan to meet citizens of Jeonju and Gwangju directly. I will strive to create a significant wave in Honam."
The possibility of unification remains a key point of attention. Park said, "Now, regarding unification, we have to wait for Kang's choice. The Chungcheong region ended today, and we have passed the halfway point. My feelings remain the same as before, and I will wait." He intends to wait for Kang's decision after confirming the Chungcheong vote.
Regarding questions about unification, Kang said, "I will consider what the best outcome for the party is."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
