Kim Jin-tae Gangwon Governor and Kim Doo-gyeom Ulsan Mayor Targeted
‘Demand for Secondary Retreat’ ‘No Nomination in Bukgap’ Draws a Line
“A Military with Poor Discipline Cannot Win a Battle”
Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, issued a warning on the 23rd saying, “We will take strong measures against internal disruptions from now on,” adding, “Candidates engaging in such acts will be immediately replaced.” This statement comes as calls for ‘Jang Dong-hyuk’s secondary retreat’ and ‘no nomination in Busan Bukgap’ persist. His remarks are seen as targeting candidates like Kim Jin-tae, who directly criticized Jang in a meeting the day before, and Kim Doo-gyeom, who is supporting a joint statement by metropolitan area leaders in Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam.
At the closing remarks of the Supreme Council meeting held in the National Assembly, Jang said, “With 41 days left until the June 3rd local elections, it is time to fully engage in competition with the Democratic Party and its candidates.” He emphasized the importance of maintaining discipline, likening it to a well-disciplined military that succeeds in battle.
His statements are interpreted as a warning to candidates like Kim Jin-tae and Kim Doo-gyeom. Kim Jin-tae had previously expressed dissatisfaction with Jang’s leadership during his visit to a fishing village in Yangyang, Gangwon, indicating that listening to candidate opinions is important and hinted at the need for a ‘secondary retreat.’
Kim Doo-gyeom, meanwhile, has been in conversations about forming a coalition for the by-election in Busan Bukgap with former People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon, who is preparing to run as an independent. Jang’s return from a 10-day trip to the U.S. on the 20th saw him tasking the party with investigating Assemblyman Jin Jong-oh’s endorsement of Han, signaling Jang’s ongoing scrutiny over alliances within the party.
In response to these unfolding dynamics, Jang has directed the formation of election committees for each provincial party. This strategic move is in reaction to independent campaign efforts by candidates like Oh Se-hoon in Seoul. Jang clarified, “In regions where metropolitan candidates are decided, I have instructed that local and candidate election committees be formed. Such measures have been standard practice in every local election.” He also mentioned monitoring the completion of nominations as the central election committee would be set up.