Series of 'Forums' Launched in Gwangju Ahead of Early Presidential Election

Pro-Lee and Anti-Lee Factions Face Off in Gwangju
Gwangjuin Forum and Hope and Alternative to Launch on March 3 and 6
Concerns and Expectations Rise Over Divided Political Forces
"Don't Forget the Lesson of Defeat from Party Division"

Poster for the launch and founding ceremony of the Gwangju In Forum (left) and the Hope and Alternative Forum.

As the political sphere effectively shifts into an 'early presidential election' mode, forums with pro-Lee Jaemyung and anti-Lee Jaemyung leanings are set to launch consecutively in Gwangju early next month. With a 'May presidential election' anticipated, these political forums are centered around potential candidates from the Democratic Party of Korea, and since they are likely to expand into election organizations during the party's primary, both the evaluation of participating figures and the display of 'power struggles' are drawing significant attention from local residents.

According to the local political community on the 27th, the pro-Lee Jaemyung-leaning 'Gwangjuin Forum for Ending Rebellion and Strengthening Democracy' (hereafter referred to as Gwangjuin Forum) will officially launch on the 3rd of next month.

The preparatory committee for the 'Gwangjuin Forum' announced in a press release that the launch ceremony will be held at 3 p.m. on March 3rd at the multipurpose hall on the first floor of the Kim Daejung Convention Center, along with the '3.3 Gwangju Declaration.' The committee explained that about 10,000 people, including Kim Minseok, Supreme Council member of the Democratic Party, Hwang Hyunpil, head of the Correcting History Research Association, Park Guyong, professor of philosophy at Chonnam National University, prominent politicians, and forum members, are expected to attend the launch event.

At the launch ceremony, the Gwangjuin Forum will declare its commitment to taking the lead in ending rebellion, defending the Constitution, and establishing a democratic government. In particular, through a special 15-minute lecture by three speakers with different perspectives, suggestions will be made on overcoming the national crisis and restoring democracy.

Former Chonnam National University President Kang Jeongchae, Gwangju FC CEO Noh Dongil, Moon Seokhwan, chairman of the Park Gwanhyeon Memorial Foundation, Yoon Jonghae, former head of the Gwangju branch of the Federation of Korean Trade Unions, and Han Sangwon, chairman of the Gwangju Chamber of Commerce and Industry, have been appointed as standing representatives. Kim Bogon, chairman of DK Industries, Park Shinae, president of the Gwangju Daycare Association, Baek Hyeonok, governor of Rotary International District 3710, Shim Jaeseop, former chairman of Gwangju Buk-gu Council, and Wi Jeongsun, president of the Gwangju Women's Pharmacists Association, have been appointed as co-representatives. In addition, Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijung, Dong-gu District Chief Lim Taek, Seo-gu District Chief Kim Ikang, Nam-gu District Chief Kim Byeongnae, and Gwangsan-gu District Chief Park Byeonggyu have been appointed as advisory committee members.

The anti-Lee Jaemyung-led 'Hope and Alternative' forum will also hold the founding ceremony of its Gwangju branch at 3 p.m. on March 6th in the small conference room on the third floor of the Kim Daejung Convention Center.

'Hope and Alternative' held its launch ceremony on the 18th at the Gwangmyeong Station Wedding Hall in Gyeonggi Province. The event was attended by Kim Bu-gyeom, former Prime Minister and Democratic Party presidential candidate, Kim Du-gwan, former lawmaker, and former lawmakers Park Yongjin, Song Gapseok, and Park Kwangon.

About 300 people, including forum chairman Yang Gidae, former floor leader Hong Youngpyo, and former lawmakers Song Gapseok and Seo Dongyong, are expected to attend the founding ceremony of the Gwangju branch.

Chairman Yang Gidae stated, "The goal of the Hope and Alternative Forum is to overcome the harms caused by confrontation and conflict, the imperial presidency, and the adversarial two-party system, and to create new politics and leadership in Korean politics," and added, "With the presidential election approaching, we will take the lead in forming an alliance with political forces that can lead new politics, constitutional reform, and political reform."

Meanwhile, as political forces from both the pro-Lee and anti-Lee camps are gathering separately in Gwangju, there are both concerns and expectations in the region.

There are views that emphasize not forgetting the lesson from the last presidential election, where fierce infighting during the primary ultimately led to defeat in the main election, while others argue that mutual competition, solidarity, and cooperation are necessary to enhance competitiveness in the main election.

A local political figure commented, "It seems that the public sees the December 3rd martial law leading to impeachment and ultimately to an early presidential election," and added, "While the emergence of two politically charged forums in the region ahead of the presidential election has positive aspects in terms of competition and supplementation, there are also concerns that it could lead to severe division within the Democratic Party."