Democratic Party Dominates Jeonnam... Independent Lee Yun-seok's Candidacy Draws Nationwide Attention
"It's Interesting to Have an Election Where People Vote Based on Candidates and Policies for a Change" Opinions Also Expressed
‘Winning the Democratic Party primary is almost equivalent to winning the election’ is a phrase that emerges every election season in Mokpo, known as the stronghold or heart of the Democratic Party in Honam politics. Since the Democratic Party is overwhelmingly dominant in this region, the primary election period is more intense and attracts more attention than the general election period.
Because of this, Mokpo has not received much attention after the Democratic Party primaries ended, but now Mokpo, one of the 10 electoral districts in Jeonnam, is gaining nationwide interest.
Perhaps because the call for incumbent replacement had already taken hold early on, five out of the 10 Jeonnam electoral districts saw incumbents defeated by challengers in this Democratic Party primary, which was the biggest local issue.
Mokpo, which survived this wave, has emerged as a nationally spotlighted area after independent candidate Lee Yun-seok, a former two-term lawmaker, announced his candidacy for this general election.
Recent polls show that the incumbent Kim Won-i, the Democratic Party candidate, is leading over Lee Yun-seok.
Regarding this, Kim’s camp stated, “It doesn’t make sense to call this a battleground when recent polls show a large gap.”
On the other hand, Lee’s camp responded, “There is a steady upward trend in the polls. Changes are beginning among various layers in Mokpo,” maintaining a tense standoff.
On the weekend following the start of the official campaign on the 28th, citizens visiting Mokpo Peace Plaza under the warm sunlight had differing evaluations of the two candidates.
Im (40), who runs a business near Peace Plaza, said, “I have a negative perception of Kim Won-i due to issues with his former aide and the leak of party membership applications during the last local election. For Mokpo to develop and gain strength, a three-term senior lawmaker is needed. I believe Lee Yun-seok can fulfill that role.”
Jeong (51), walking through Peace Plaza, said, “It is unreasonable for someone who served two terms as a lawmaker in Muan and Sinan to now run in Mokpo. What we need now is Kim Won-i, who can support Lee Jae-myung and help judge the current government.”
There were also citizens who expressed cold opinions toward both candidates.
Kim (53), a resident of Okam-dong, said, “Looking at this Democratic Party nomination, I am stunned at Leader Lee Jae-myung. He has turned the party into a shield for himself. But it’s not easy to vote for an independent candidate who switched districts, so I’m very conflicted. This time, I’m even considering whether I should go to the polling station for the first time.”
There are also voices from the moderate voters who have not yet decided whom to choose. Oh (56), who has run a restaurant for 30 years, said, “To stop the Yoon Seok-yeol government, we need to empower the Democratic Party, and Kim Won-i was the most combative lawmaker against the current government in the 21st National Assembly. However, Lee Yun-seok’s weighty drive, experience, and wisdom make him an excellent candidate to represent Mokpo’s voice.”
A citizen who first spoke to the press said, “In Mokpo, my lifelong home dominated by the Democratic Party, this election has become a rare occasion for real consideration,” emphasizing, “This Mokpo election will truly be decided by the candidates and their policies.”
Candidate Kim Won-i said, “I will continue to work hard with a humble attitude toward the citizens of Mokpo.”
Candidate Lee Yun-seok stated, “I will accomplish great things for Mokpo and take the lead in its development.”
Meanwhile, six candidates are campaigning for a seat in the National Assembly in the Mokpo electoral district: Kim Won-i (Democratic Party), Yoon Seon-ung (People Power Party), Park Myung-gi (Green Justice Party), Choi Guk-jin (Progressive Party), Choi Dae-jip (Pine Tree Party), and Lee Yun-seok (Independent).
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