"Competition Needed Even in Honam"... Jo Guk Hints at Local Election Showdown with Democratic Party

"Competition in regions where the People Power Party has little chance, alliances elsewhere"

Citing Roh Moo-hyun's 'Nogongisan' post... "Advancing democracy in Honam"

Jo Guk, leader of the Party for National Innovation, stated his position ahead of the June 3 local elections, emphasizing that "competition among political parties is necessary even in the Honam region." He reaffirmed his longstanding stance that, in regions where the likelihood of the People Power Party winning is low, political competition should take place, while in other regions, alliances should be considered-this comes at a time when an electoral alliance with the Democratic Party has not yet been discussed.

Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea (left), is attending the resolution rally urging the inclusion of the May 18 Spirit in the preamble of the constitution held by the May 18 Spirit Constitutional Preamble Inclusion National Promotion Committee and Democratic Party lawmaker Min Hyung-bae's office at the National Assembly Members' Office Building on the 25th, and is conversing with Cho Guk, leader of the National Innovation Party. Photo by Yonhap News

On the previous day, Jo posted on his Facebook page, "The Party for National Innovation has set its goal for the June local elections as 'zero extreme right,' and to achieve this, we have long argued that in areas where the People Power Party’s chances of winning are virtually zero, there should be competition, and in other areas, there should be alliances."

He continued, "At this point, the Democratic Party has not responded as to whether it will form an electoral alliance, and therefore, there have been no discussions at all regarding the methods and scope of such an alliance between the two parties. Still, I believe that, as spring strengthens, things will move in a positive direction."

Jo also brought up the April 2, 2024, by-election in Damyang, South Jeolla Province, and examples of talent recruitment, stating, "Should these individuals give up running in the June local elections? Absolutely not." He added, "Party for National Innovation candidates are also running in regions outside Honam."

He also refuted criticism from some Democratic Party figures and political commentators who claim that competing with the Democratic Party in Honam goes against the 'Roh Moo-hyun spirit.'

Jo stated, "It is only natural to keep competitors in check during elections," and introduced a post written in 2008 by former President Roh Moo-hyun under the pseudonym 'Nogongisan.' He said, "You will be able to easily see what the true 'Roh Moo-hyun spirit' is."

According to the post Jo shared, former President Roh, writing under that pseudonym, argued, "There should be competition among political parties even in Honam," and "Only then can democracy in Honam develop."

Jo concluded, "The Party for National Innovation’s position that competition is also necessary in Honam politics, and that such competition innovates and advances Honam politics, is precisely the succession and realization of the 'Roh Moo-hyun spirit.' I would also like to remind everyone that some of those who now criticize in this way were harsh critics of President Roh Moo-hyun during his lifetime."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.