2 out of 3 Proportional Representation Seats in the Democratic United Party Winning Positions
Unification Victory in Ulsan Buk-gu and Busan Yeonje-gu
The Progressive Party is achieving success not only in participating in the proportional representation satellite party, the Deobureo Minju Yeonhap, but also in the process of unifying candidates in local constituencies. It is becoming increasingly likely to be the leading force in the progressive camp. It is expected to secure around 4 to 5 seats. The Progressive Party, together with opposition parties such as the Democratic Party, formed the proportional satellite party Deobureo Minju Yeonhap and nominated three candidates: Jeong Hye-gyeong (No. 5), Jeon Jong-deok (No. 11), and Son Sol (No. 15).
Independent lawmaker Sangheon Lee and Jinbo Party candidate Jong-oh Yoon (from left) are holding hands and posing for a commemorative photo during a press conference announcing their agreement to unify as candidates for the 22nd general election in Ulsan Buk-gu. Candidate Yoon won the primary. [Image source=Yonhap News]
By deciding to participate in the proportional coalition party, the Progressive Party unified candidates with the Democratic Party and others in all regions except Honam, Daegu·Gyeongbuk (TK), and Buk-gu of Ulsan. However, in Buk-gu of Ulsan, although it was initially agreed to unify under the Progressive Party candidate, incumbent lawmaker Lee Sang-heon opposed this and left the Democratic Party. Subsequently, through a public opinion poll, the candidate was unified as Yoon Jong-oh of the Progressive Party. In Yeonje-gu, Busan, Progressive Party candidate Noh Jeong-hyun achieved success by defeating Democratic Party candidate Lee Seong-moon. However, in the Seoul Gwanak-gu-eul constituency, unification negotiations with Democratic Party candidate Jeong Tae-ho did not succeed, so Progressive Party candidate Lee Sang-gyu is expected to run without unification.
Hong Seong-gyu, spokesperson for the Progressive Party, explained, "The Progressive Party decided to focus on Buk-gu of Ulsan, Yeonje-gu of Busan, Kang Seong-hee in Jeonju-si-eul, Yoon Min-ho in Buk-gu-eul of Gwangju, and Lee Seong-su in Suncheon-si, Gwangyang-si, Gokseong-gun, and Gurye-gun Gap in Jeonnam." He added, "We are also striving to win in six constituencies, including Seoul Gwanak-eul, where unification was not achieved."
Despite lagging behind in party membership numbers and party recognition, the Progressive Party's strong performance in local constituencies appears to be due to the effectiveness of grassroots politics. Noh Jeong-hyun, the Progressive Party candidate who became the 'unexpected winner' by defeating the Democratic Party candidate, a former district mayor in Busan, said in a phone interview, "I have lived in Yeonje with my wife while raising four children, and I believe the positive evaluation from Yeonje residents for my dedicated work addressing local issues and residents' demands played a significant role." Noh, who was significantly behind in party support, is believed to have moved the hearts of residents by serving twice as a district councilor and actively resolving various local complaints.
Regarding the secret to his unification victory, Yoon Jong-oh, Progressive Party candidate for Buk-gu Gap in Ulsan, said, "I have deep roots in the labor field and have been verified through roles as a basic councilor, metropolitan councilor, district mayor, and member of the National Assembly." He added, "Now that I am the undisputed unified candidate, I hope to run a strong campaign." Yoon also expressed optimism for the general election, stating, "Although there are fierce controversies about pro-North sentiments these days, I believe residents will choose those who work well and are sincere."
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