Reactivating the 'Seojin Policy' in Gokseong, Jeonnam
Angry Public Sentiment Expected to Be Conveyed in Next Week's Private Meeting with Yoon
Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People Power Party, will visit Gokseong, Jeonnam, where he was defeated in the by-elections on the 18th, to offer his concession greetings. His choice to visit this area instead of the winning regions of Incheon Ganghwa and Busan Geumjeong is interpreted as a move to secure the support of the Honam public and advance toward becoming a nationwide and mass party. In particular, with a private meeting with President Yoon Seok-yeol approaching, it is also seen as an intention to convey the anger of the Honam public and demand reform in the presidential office.
At around 11 a.m. on the same day, Han plans to meet citizens at the five-day market in Gokseong, Jeonnam, to listen to the sentiments of the Honam people. This is interpreted as a reactivation of the so-called 'Seojin Policy.' Since the Democratic Party has expanded its influence from its Honam base to Yeongnam and secured a majority of seats in Seoul and the metropolitan area to become a nationwide party, the People Power Party must secure influence in Honam based on Yeongnam. The People Power Party fielded a candidate for the basic local government head in Gokseong for the first time in 22 years during this by-election, but candidate Choi Bong-ui only received 3.48% of the vote.
Han is expected to convey the public sentiment he hears in Gokseong during his private meeting with President Yoon, scheduled for the 21st or 22nd of this month. Having secured leadership within the party by defending strongholds such as Busan Geumjeong and Incheon Ganghwa, he is likely to strongly propose issues related to First Lady Kim or policies to President Yoon.
Already, on the day before the by-election results were announced, Han presented three demands related to First Lady Kim: personnel reform in the presidential office, suspension of her external activities, and active cooperation in investigating allegations surrounding her. He also did not hide his critical view regarding the prosecution's decision to dismiss the stock manipulation allegations against First Lady Kim related to Deutsche Motors, stating, "It is necessary to observe whether the public can accept this." Especially since the Democratic Party has expanded the scope of investigation from eight to fourteen allegations and submitted a special investigation law for First Lady Kim, Han's pressure is expected to intensify.
A close aide to Han said, "Han sees securing the support of the Honam public as a crucial turning point for the future of the People Power Party," adding, "In his private meeting with President Yoon, he will inevitably convey the sentiments of local citizens he has heard regarding the government and First Lady Kim and demand change."
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