Democratic Party leader Jung Chung-rae visited Gangwon Province to support gubernatorial candidate Woo Sang-ho ahead of the June 3, 2024, local elections [1].

The visit signals a strategic push by the Democratic Party to secure victory in the region by promising significant economic and infrastructural growth. By focusing on Gangwon, the party aims to broaden its appeal to voters who feel neglected by central government development plans.

This trip marked the fourth time Jung has visited the province [3]. During the visit, Jung held a meeting of the central election campaign committee to coordinate efforts for the upcoming vote, which was approximately 20 days away at the time of the event [2].

Jung said he is committed to transforming the region's economy to attract voters. He focused on the potential for rapid growth and modernization of the province's infrastructure to improve the quality of life for local residents.

"Through this local election, I will develop Gangwon Province to the extent that the people's eyes will widen," Jung said [1].

The campaign's strategy relies on the visibility of high-ranking party leadership to bolster the candidacy of Woo Sang-ho. The party believes that linking regional development promises to the central leadership's influence will provide voters with more confidence in the feasibility of the proposed projects.

“I will develop Gangwon Province to the extent that the people's eyes will widen”

The Democratic Party is utilizing a high-frequency visitation strategy in Gangwon Province to counteract historical voting trends in the region. By deploying the party leader for multiple visits and promising 'eye-opening' development, the party is attempting to frame the local election as a choice between regional stagnation and rapid growth tied to central party power.