The Democratic Party's Leadership Visits Daegu, 'Heart of Conservatism', Targeting Gaps Amid Rifts in the People Power Party
The leadership of the Democratic Party visited Daegu, traditionally a conservative stronghold, seeking to leverage recent polling gains amid turmoil in the People's Power Party ahead of local elections.
On February 27, a day before the 2.28 Democratic Movement commemorative day, the leadership of South Korea's Democratic Party visited Daegu, which is often referred to as the 'heart of conservatism.' This visit comes at a time when internal dissent within the People's Power Party has been escalating, particularly regarding a controversy involving former President Yoon Suk-yeol and issues surrounding administrative integration with the Daegu and Gyeongbuk regions. Recent public opinion polls indicating a rise in support for the Democratic Party in these areas spurred this strategic visit, especially with local elections approaching in just over three months.
During their visit, Democratic Party representatives, including party leader Jeong Cheong-rae, paid tribute at the 2.28 Democratic Movement memorial tower and convened a Supreme Council meeting at the 2.28 Democratic Movement Memorial Hall. In his address, Jeong criticized the People's Power Party for what he termed their indecisiveness and failure to distance themselves from factions supportive of past regime controversies. He highlighted the lack of clarity and direction within the party, noting how their approval ratings had nosedived recently, leading to public frustration. Jeong particularly condemned the obstacles faced regarding the administrative integration of Daegu and Gyeongbuk, reflecting on the urgent need for coordinated representation and effective governance in the region.
The visit to Daegu, often seen as a virtual stronghold of the Democratic Party's opposition, signals a shift in political strategy as the party seeks to capitalize on rising approval ratings in an area traditionally resistant to their influence. Observers suggest that this effort to engage with local voters may reflect a broader strategy to undermine the dominance of the People's Power Party by exposing their internal conflicts and appealing to constituents who feel disconnected from their elected representatives. As the political landscape shifts and public sentiment evolves, the Democratic Party aims to make significant inroads in a region long viewed as their electoral graveyard.