Former President Park Geun-hye began a series of campaign rallies across South Korea in late May 2024 to support People Power Party candidates [1].
The return of the former president to the public stage intensifies the political climate, as analysts suggest the upcoming election is evolving into a proxy battle between Park and incumbent President Lee Jae-myung [1].
Park's tour included visits to several key regions to mobilize conservative voters. She visited the Chilseong Market in Daegu on May 23 and traveled to Busan-Gijang on May 27 [1]. Her itinerary also included stops in Ulsan, Gangwon, and the provinces of Chungcheong and Gyeongsang-namdo [1].
During these appearances, Park focused on providing emotional support to voters and endorsing specific candidates. "I wanted to give even a little bit of comfort to those people," Park said during a May 23 appearance [1]. On May 27, she urged supporters to back a specific candidate, saying, "If you give candidate Park Min-shik an opportunity to serve..." [1].
These efforts come as the conservative bloc faces significant electoral risks. Reports indicate a potential loss of 15 out of 16 major metropolitan local governments [1].
Park's activities are designed to counter the "people-first" campaign currently being led by President Lee Jae-myung [1]. By appearing in person at regional markets and public squares, Park aims to consolidate the People Power Party's base and prevent further losses in urban centers [1].
“The upcoming election is shaping up as a proxy battle between the former and current presidents.”
The active involvement of Park Geun-hye suggests that the conservative People Power Party believes a high-profile figure is necessary to stave off a landslide defeat. By framing the election as a contest between the legacies of two presidents, the party is attempting to shift the focus from local governance to a broader ideological struggle for national identity.
