People Power Party Faces Seoul Chapter Election... Key Barometer for Next Year’s Local Election Strategy

Effectively a Head-to-Head Between Bae Hyunjin and Cho Jeonghun
Each Emphasizes Local Election Experience and “One Team” Strategy
Attention Also on Political Dynamics, Including Martial Law Stance and Factional Alignment

The People Power Party will hold an election for the head of its Seoul Metropolitan Chapter ahead of next year's local elections. Assemblywoman Bae Hyunjin, Assemblyman Cho Junghoon, and Kang Seongman, head of the Geumcheon party chapter, are running, making it a three-way race. As this position will have a direct impact on next year's election strategy in Seoul, it is expected to serve as a barometer for the local election landscape.

On September 15, the People Power Party is conducting an online vote from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. to select the Seoul chapter chief. Delegates recommended by the party chapter heads are participating in the vote. Although there was initial discussion about a consensus-based appointment, it is reported that the election is being held due to opposition from Kang. Given that he has previously served as president of the association of party chapter heads, it appears he judged the race to be worth contesting.

Yonhap News Agency

In this election, Assemblywoman Bae is emphasizing her experience with local elections. Through her social networking service (SNS), she declared, "As the only one with a history of victory, I, Bae Hyunjin, will protect Seoul," pledging to immediately shift to a campaign structure upon election and serve as the control tower for the Seoul election. Assemblyman Cho is highlighting a "one team" strategy. A member of Cho's office stated, "There are already many concerns about nomination conflicts or divisions in what is already a difficult election," adding, "Assemblyman Cho, who has worked closely with Representative Jang Donghyuk, can unite everyone as one team ahead of the election."

Yonhap News Agency

There is also attention both inside and outside the party on the political dynamics of this race. This is because Assemblywoman Bae and Assemblyman Cho have expressed differing views on the December 3 Martial Law. Assemblywoman Bae criticized it as "a groundless political suicide act that undermines constitutional values," while Assemblyman Cho suggested that the Democratic Party also bears responsibility for the martial law, and defended some party leaders' requests to meet with former President Yoon Sukyeol as "a matter of human decency." The two are also classified as being aligned with different factions: Bae with the pro-Han Donghoon group and Cho with the pro-Yoon Sukyeol group.

Given the current internal dynamics of the party, the pro-Yoon faction is expected to have the advantage. In fact, most of the metropolitan and provincial chapter heads are held by anti-impeachment figures. One party chapter head in Seoul commented, "Considering that most of the hardline party members are resistant to the pro-Han faction, it seems likely that support will lean toward Assemblyman Cho," adding, "Even when considering the upcoming local elections, it is more likely to be fought as a result of the backlash against various risks, such as the Lee Jaemyung administration's real estate policies." On the other hand, there are also predictions that a strategic choice could be made, given the significant influence of centrist voters in Seoul. A member of Bae's office said, "In a difficult election, the main focus will be on who is the right person to secure victory in next year's local elections."