Early Voting Final Day... Ruling and Opposition Leaders Campaigning in Busan Geumjeong
On the last day of early voting for the October 16 by-elections, both ruling and opposition party leaders visited Busan on the 12th. The People Power Party criticized a Democratic Party lawmaker's remark about 'wasting taxpayers' money' as 'disgraceful behavior,' while the Democratic Party launched a 'second judgment theory,' saying the ruling party does not understand why it was punished in the general election.
Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People Power Party, stated at a campaign rally supporting candidate Yoon Il-hyun that a personnel reshuffle in the presidential office is necessary regarding suspicions surrounding First Lady Kim Geon-hee, wife of President Yoon Seok-yeol.
Leader Han said, "A personnel reshuffle in the presidential office is necessary to dispel the public's concerns and worries about First Lady Kim," adding, "That will be the starting point for the government and ruling party to change according to public sentiment."
He emphasized strong political solidarity between the central government and the Busan region. He said, "It is our power that can establish new standards necessary for Geumjeong, such as reconstruction and redevelopment, and develop them," and requested, "Even if there are shortcomings, please give strength to our party."
Leader Han also criticized Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Young-bae's remark calling the by-election, held due to the death of the Geumjeong District mayor, a 'waste of taxpayers' money,' calling it "disgraceful behavior."
Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party, also canvassed throughout Geumjeong District in Busan from the morning, appealing for support for candidate Kim Kyung-ji. Leader Lee said, "This election is not just for the Geumjeong District mayor but an election concerning the fate of the Republic of Korea," adding, "If you still do not know why you were judged in the general election, you must use this opportunity to carry out a second judgment."
Leader Lee also criticized the current government for abusing power. He said, "The government must do well for the people to live comfortably. But now, the government is using power to secure its own interests and suppress opponents," and questioned, "Power is like a captain navigating a ship. Can navigation proceed properly if the captain is drunk and cannot even look at the map?"
The Democratic Party leadership moved to Ganghwa, Incheon in the afternoon, continuing their final campaign activities by visiting places such as the salted shrimp festival site.
Cho Guk, leader of the Cho Guk Innovation Party, held support rallies in Gokseong and Yeonggwang in Jeollanam-do, while Kim Jae-yeon, co-leader of the Progressive Party, campaigned in Yeonggwang.
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