South Korean Local Elections Approach: Focus on Seoul and Daegu Districts

Seoul, June 2 (CNA) - As South Korea's local elections approach on the 3rd, candidates nationwide are making a final push tonight to secure voter support. The elections are centered on the capital, Seoul, and Daegu, a stronghold for the opposition People Power Party (PPP). Political commentator Cho Gap-je noted that Seoul and Daegu are the two most watched districts. The ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) has nominated former Seongdong District Mayor Jung Won-oh for Seoul Mayor, facing off against PPP candidate Oh Se-hoon. Cho pointed out that while Daegu is a PPP stronghold, the party has nominated Choo Kyung-ho, who was suspected of obstructing the lifting of martial law, while the DPK has fielded former Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum, leaving Daegu voters in a dilemma. Another commentator, Kim Jun-il, pointed out that the PPP is currently supported only by regionalism in areas like Daegu, Busan, and Ulsan, but many votes in these regions are shifting to the DPK. Kim said, "If they suffer a crushing defeat, a factional struggle within the PPP is inevitable." Following the martial law controversy, PPP leader Jang Dong-hyuk stated that internal conflict was unavoidable after the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, but they must establish principles and focus on countering the DPK to overcome division through accumulated victories. According to Yonhap News, DPK leader Jung Chung-rae focused his campaign today on Seoul, the largest battlefield. Jung said, "I believe we are at a critical juncture, and competitive areas are likely to be decided by a small margin." He also repeatedly mentioned Daegu mayoral candidate Kim Boo-kyum. Voting will take place from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM on the 3rd. Early voting, held on May 29 and 30, reached a cumulative turnout of 23.51%, setting a record for the highest early voting rate in local election history.