Private Events and Behind-the-Scenes Communication
vs. Public Appearances on YouTube
Kim Yongtae, co-chair of the People Power Party's election campaign committee and emergency committee, on May 20 proposed a public debate between Kim Hye-kyung, wife of Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung, and Seol Nanyeong, wife of People Power Party presidential candidate Kim Moonsoo. With just 14 days left until the 21st presidential election, the competition for the 'First Lady' position is intensifying.
On this day, Kim held an emergency press conference at the National Assembly and proposed a televised debate between the spouses of the presidential candidates. He called on Lee's camp to announce their position by the 23rd. Kim stated, "I hope they will share not only their policy philosophies for the disadvantaged, but also their honest views on the role of the First Lady."
Within the People Power Party, Seol is considered a 'secret weapon.' With only two weeks left until the election, she is seen as someone who can highlight Kim's strengths and compensate for his weaknesses.
Since Kim's visit to Honam on the 18th, Seol has increased her public appearances. She has appeared on several YouTube channels and participated in broadcast interviews. The campaign is considering scheduling joint rallies in the Honam region with Seol, People Power Party lawmaker In Yo-han, who heads the Honam Special Committee, and candidate Kim.
Seol was born in Goheung, South Jeolla Province, and graduated from Suncheon Girls' High School. She is seen as a strategic card for targeting Honam, a region where the People Power Party has traditionally been weak. As a former labor activist like candidate Kim, she can also help communicate his background. A campaign official said, "We believe that by highlighting Kim's human side through Mrs. Seol, we can gain empathy and support."
In contrast, Kim Hye-kyung has mostly made discreet visits to religious communities, maintaining a restrained profile. Since mid-April, she has visited religious organizations in Seoul, Busan, and Gangwon. After the official campaign period began, she visited Myeongdong Cathedral and Bulguksa Temple. In Honam, a Democratic Party stronghold, she visited Gwangju Bitgoeul Senior Health Town and Hyoryeong Senior Welfare Town, where she volunteered serving meals and held private meetings with families of the May 18 Democratization Movement victims.
Unlike during the 20th presidential election, when Kim Hye-kyung was more visible, this time she is exercising maximum restraint. Analysts attribute her cautious approach to allegations of personal misuse of corporate credit cards. A political insider commented, "With Lee Jae-myung currently leading, she is opting for a quieter approach rather than making excessive public appearances."
Choi Jin, head of the Presidential Leadership Institute, observed, "Given the controversies surrounding Kim Keon-hee during the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, voters are likely watching every move of the potential First Lady."
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