Candidates Kim Yong-nam and Jo Guk held competing campaigns at a traditional market in Pyeongtaek on Monday [1].
The showdown follows the collapse of party-wide unification efforts, forcing candidates to fight for a "self-reliant first-place" finish to secure the seat [1].
Kim Yong-nam, representing the Democratic Party, campaigned during the morning commute wearing a sign that read "Lee Jae-myung's choice" [2]. During his appearances, Kim said Jo Guk, the candidate for the Joo-Kuk Innovation Party, is a "fake Democratic Party candidate" [2].
Jo Guk responded to these accusations while engaging with market-goers in Gyeonggi Province [1]. Jo said that the Democratic Party seems anxious and that citizens know who is real and who is fake [2]. He said his opponent should engage in "big politics" [2].
The high-visibility "market-day campaign" took place two days before the scheduled re-election [1]. With no single unified candidate for the opposition bloc, the candidates are now relying on individual appeals to the local electorate to gain an advantage [1].
Both the ruling and opposition parties remain involved in the contest as the race enters its final stages [1]. The traditional market area has become the primary battleground for the candidates to demonstrate their local support and visibility before voters head to the polls [1].
“"fake Democratic Party candidate"”
The failure to unify candidates suggests a fragmented opposition in the Pyeongtaek re-election. By competing individually, Kim and Jo risk splitting the progressive vote, which may inadvertently benefit the ruling party's candidate by lowering the threshold required to win the seat.
