Jung Woo-sang, editorial writer at the Chosun Ilbo, Kim Jun-il, former Kyunghyang Shinmun reporter and commentator, Kim Jeong-hyeon, Korea Daily reporter, Kim Gyu-wan, former CBS editorial page director
An analysis aired stating that, regarding a unified candidacy between Han Dong-hoon and Park Min-sik, who are running in the Busan Buk-gu Gap by-election, “the two have made a do or die political gambit, so unification is difficult.”
On the TV Chosun political current affairs talk show ‘Gangjeokdeul’ that aired on the 9th, commentator Kim Jun-il (former Kyunghyang Shinmun reporter), Kim Jeong-hyeon of the Korea Daily, former CBS editorial page director Kim Gyu-wan, and Chosun Ilbo editorial writer Jung Woo-sang appeared for an in depth analysis of where the volatile public sentiment in the local elections is headed.
The Busan Buk-gu Gap by-election, unfolding as a three-way race, has the potential unification between People Power Party candidate Park Min-sik and independent candidate Han Dong-hoon as its biggest issue. Commentator Kim Jun-il said, “It is similar to 2002 with Lee Hoi-chang, Roh Moo-hyun, and Chung Mong-joon. If it goes this way, both will lose.”
Former director Kim Gyu-wan explained, “Candidates Park Min-sik and Han Dong-hoon still have another day. They are running with an eye on the general election two years from now.” Jung added, “The two have thrown a political do or die gambit, so unification is difficult. Voters should look to the future and achieve unification through their ballots,” urging people to vote.
Also drawing attention are the dueling campaign office openings by Park Min-sik and Han Dong-hoon. Former director Kim said, “Because there are skilled operators, some will try to run double tracks, and the most embarrassed person is candidate Park Hyung-joon.” Commentator Kim analyzed, “They will go to Park Min-sik's opening and send only a congratulatory wreath to Han's. Appointing former lawmaker Jeong Hyeong-geun as fundraising chair was very unexpected. The centrist bloc could waver, so values were damaged, but they chose practical gains.” Jung Woo-sang, the editorial writer, evaluated, “To appeal to those drawn to candidate Han Dong-hoon, who carries a strong traitor image, embracing former lawmaker Jeong Hyeong-geun will add a plus alpha.” Regarding Chair Jang hinting at disciplining lawmaker Han Ji-a, former director Kim said, “Chair Jang Dong-hyeok has no intention to discipline. If he does, then he is a fool who learns nothing. This is mentioned as a warning.”
Jeong Cheong-rae's ‘say oppa’ aimed at boosting candidate Ha Jeong-woo drew a barrage of public criticism. Reporter Kim Jeong-hyeon said, “It shows no awareness or sensitivity to power dynamics; in fact, one lawmaker actually calls Representative Jeong Cheong-rae oppa,” sharing his reporting. Jung said, “Representative Jeong may appear hardline, but on the ground he has a friendly image; Jeong's style of communication is a subject the People Power Party could also study.”
In Pyeongtaek-eul, the skirmish within the ruling camp is spilling into an emotional fight. Reporter Kim said, “As a standard-bearer of the broader pro-government camp, they have no choice but to attack candidate Kim Yong-nam. There is nothing to gain from attacking candidate Yoo Ui-dong.” Commentator Kim evaluated, “A poll has come out showing candidate Cho Kuk in first place. It has become highly likely that candidate Kim Yong-nam will embark on full-fledged negative campaigning. With former leader Hwang Kyo-ahn posting double digits, conservatives must unify. It is a very interesting situation.”
Before this, there was also the point that the ‘Fabricated Indictment Special Counsel Bill’ had emerged as a detonator in the local elections. Jung explained, “The president generally agrees with the special counsel bill, but paused it because backlash is strong ahead of the election. Then why a special counsel? When it comes to issues related to his own trial, pragmatism does not apply.”
Reporter Kim Jeong-hyeon concurred, “It is out of concern over a backlash in public sentiment in TK and PK.” Former director Kim reported from his coverage, “Senior Secretary Hong's remark that ‘public consensus has formed for the Fabricated Indictment Special Counsel Bill’ is the president's wording, a double message different from the phrasing used in private settings. Whether it is President Lee or Representative Jeong Cheong-rae, one of them is playing an undercover role. It is a cowardly approach that shifts responsibility onto the special counsel.” Commentator Kim hit directly, “If it becomes a precedent, a repetitive pattern could arise in which, in similar fashion, indictments are canceled through special counsel. A hell gate opens, and it is an improper conflict of interest.”
There was also the claim that toxic clauses scattered throughout the Fabricated Indictment Special Counsel Bill are contentious. Former director Kim asserted, “Saying they will disclose unconfirmed criminal facts to the media means they will engage in media play. It means they intend to conduct an opinion-driven investigation.” He added from his reporting, “Minister Jeong Seong-ho neither wants to take the lead on the authority to cancel indictments nor even mention it. There is considerable dissatisfaction with the ruling party Legislation and Judiciary Committee.”
Regarding Representative Park Sung-joon, who served as the Democratic Party secretary on the special committee on fabricated indictments, and his remark that “citizens do not really understand the meaning of canceling an indictment,” commentator Kim pointed out, “He said the intent was not to belittle the public but that understanding could be low, yet his political sense was lacking.” Reporter Kim said, “Strategic thinking itself did not come through, and there was a miss.” Jung argued, “Speaking his true feelings too frankly has been packaged as a slip of the tongue.”
