Significance of Securing the "Heart of the Democratic Party" Where One-Third of Voting Members Are Concentrated
Focus on Expanding Factional Influence Ahead of Party Convention and Local Elections
On the 4th, at Seobitmaru Culture and Arts Center, an event called the 'K-Government Briefing' was held, inviting Prime Minister Kim Minseok to share the government's philosophy and communicate with local residents and key figures. Photo by Gwangju-Jeonnam Photojournalists Association
With Prime Minister Kim Minseok and Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheongrae both making consecutive visits to the Honam region, there is growing analysis that the competition for leadership within the Democratic Party is entering a full-fledged phase. Observers suggest that the efforts of these two figures to win over the so-called "heart of the Democratic Party," namely the Honam electorate, could become a decisive turning point in the party's future leadership structure.
According to local political circles on December 18, Jeong Cheongrae is scheduled to attend a Democratic Party member training session at the Kim Daejung Convention Center in Gwangju on December 19, where he will deliver a special lecture on "APEC National Achievements Report and the Democratic Party's Future Vision." Approximately 300 people, including elected officials from Gwangju and key party members, are expected to attend the event.
On December 10, Jeong also visited Gwangju to report on the achievements of the Honam Development Special Committee, which doubled as an on-site Supreme Council meeting. Recently, he has noticeably increased the frequency of his visits to the Honam region, expanding his points of contact with the local party base.
Kim Minseok, the first Prime Minister of the Lee Jaemyung administration, has also been accelerating his activities with an eye on a bid for party leadership after withdrawing from the Seoul mayoral race.
Prime Minister Kim will visit South Jeolla Province on December 20 to attend the "K-Government Briefing" at the Kim Daejung Auditorium at the South Jeolla Provincial Government Office. About 1,000 people are expected to participate, including South Jeolla Governor Kim Youngrok, some local mayors and county heads, heads of organizations, metropolitan and basic council members, and party members from the region.
Starting with a visit to the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery on November 26, Prime Minister Kim has continued his outreach to the public by visiting the Kia Motors Gwangju Plant, local alleyway businesses in Seo-gu, and traditional markets in Gwangsan-gu. On December 4, after visiting the Gwangju Senior Health Town, he personally presided over the "K-Government Briefing" at the Seobitmaru Culture and Arts Center in Seo-gu, Gwangju, marking the first time the event was held at a basic local government institution.
Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party, is speaking at the Democratic Party members' meeting held at the National Assembly on the 11th.
Within and outside the political community, there is a prevailing analysis that the consecutive visits to Honam by these two figures are a strategic move with future party leadership competition in mind. Since the imposition of martial law and the presidential election that led to the launch of the Lee Jaemyung administration, discussions about party reform and redefining the party's direction have continued, and both are seen as moves to expand their influence within the party.
The number of rights-holding party members in the Honam region is currently estimated at around 370,000, accounting for about one-third of all rights-holding members nationwide. This is why the sentiment in Honam has always been a decisive factor in major party elections. Moreover, a series of key elections are scheduled, starting with the Supreme Council by-election in January next year, followed by the local elections in June, the party convention in August, and the next general election. It is virtually impossible for any candidate to ignore Honam.
In Jeong Cheongrae's case, there is a view that, as his "reform drive"-including the push for the "one person, one vote" system backed by his core supporters-has lost momentum, he is seeking to use the Honam party base as a source of renewed strength.
In contrast, Prime Minister Kim Minseok has focused on messages emphasizing policy and organizational strength, broadening his connections with local party members and civil society. This is interpreted as an effort to highlight the party's centrist expansion and stable leadership.
The moves by these two politicians, whose orientations are sharply divided, are seen as a test of who will lead the party's voice at a crossroads of change facing the Democratic Party.
A local political figure commented, "Honam still serves as the steering wheel within the Democratic Party. The consecutive visits by Prime Minister Kim Minseok and leader Jeong Cheongrae should be seen as a signal that the internal competition within the party has surfaced."
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