Damyang County By-election: Innovation Party's Surprise Victory, Whip for Democratic Party

Chung Chulwon of the Innovation Party wins with 51.82%
Defeats Democratic Party candidate to claim victory
Significance as the first Innovation Party local government head
Completing the "native theory" by joining hands with Choi Hwasam
Democratic Party criticized for failing to read local sentiment
Controversies during the primary turn into a poisonous boomerang
Various causes cited, including failed campaign strategy
Seen as a stern warning and admonition against Democratic Party arrogance

Jung Chulwon, the candidate of the Joguk Innovation Party, won the final victory over Lee Jaejong, the candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, in the Damyang County mayoral by-election held on the 2nd. Photo provided by the office of Jung Chulwon, the elected Damyang County mayor.

This is truly an upset. This is the general public's assessment of the by-election results for Damyang County Governor in Jeonnam.

In the Damyang County Governor by-election held on the 2nd, out of a total of 40,394 eligible voters, 24,969 people participated (15,465 in early voting and mail-in voting within the county, 9,504 on election day, with a total turnout of 61.8%). Chung Chulwon, candidate of the Innovation Party of Korea, won the election with 12,860 votes (51.82%), defeating Lee Jaejong, the Democratic Party of Korea candidate, who received 11,956 votes (48.17%).

This result completely overturns the local political analysis that Lee, who ran under the Democratic Party banner, would win. Some believe that the Democratic Party's arrogance and misjudgment, failing to read the public sentiment, were directly reflected in this election.

In fact, Damyang County has traditionally been considered a stronghold for the Democratic Party. It was such a loyal region that people used to say even an elementary school student could win if they ran under the Democratic Party's name.

However, in this election, this belief turned out to be a complete poison. The beginning was the Democratic Party primary. At that time, within the Democratic Party of Korea, Choi Hwasam, former chairman of Saemaeul Geumgo, was leading with Lee Jaejong following behind. This was reflected in several media polls, which showed a support gap of more than two to three times.

Since Choi had cultivated public sentiment in Damyang for decades, there was a strong sense of obligation among locals that "this time, we should give him a chance."

The Democratic Party's choice was Lee. They adopted a public participation method in the primary, giving 50% weight each to party members and general residents. Lee received a 20% bonus for being a newcomer, while Choi was penalized 25% for his history of leaving the party, resulting in Choi's elimination.

The problem was that during this process, unpleasant rumors between lawmaker Lee Gaeho and Choi spread widely. When Choi declared his support for Chung Chulwon, these rumors became accepted as fact throughout the region. In the election, Lee Jaejong's presence faded, leaving only the narrative of "judging Lee Gaeho."

Chung, more than himself, gained a double benefit by bringing Choi Hwasam, a heavyweight politician with a solid local organization and support base, to his side. This was the moment when the so-called "native theory" was maximized.

The Democratic Party tried to recreate the Yeonggwang by-election held on October 16 last year, with party leader Lee Jaemyung and several figures visiting Damyang during the campaign. However, it was not enough to turn around the already soured grassroots sentiment.

Despite the difficult situation, Lee Jaejong's camp was buried in election optimism, failing to establish an effective strategy and responding poorly to the opponent's attacks. In the final stages, suspicions raised by Chung Chulwon's camp regarding Lee Jaejong's "underreporting of assets" and "illegal use of campaign vehicles" became a burden.

In contrast, the Innovation Party of Korea fought desperately. There was hope that they could shed the label of being a party without a local constituency, at least in this election. In fact, all 12 lawmakers of the Innovation Party of Korea took turns participating in the campaign. It was not just Chung's election, but a matter of survival for the entire party. This led to the emergence of the "first Innovation Party local government head."

A local political figure commented, "Outsiders may think this Damyang County Governor election was an upset, but many predicted the Democratic Party's defeat. They failed to read public sentiment, internal divisions were severe, and yet they could not let go of their arrogance, thinking they would still win. This election is both a warning and a scolding for the Democratic Party."