South Korean political leaders exchanged sharp criticisms Friday as the registration deadline passed for the June 3 local and by-elections [1].
This clash highlights the deepening polarization between the two major parties as they finalize their candidate lists for critical regional seats, including the Seoul mayoral race.
Rep. Jung Chung-rae of the Democratic Party criticized the People Power Party from Jeju, where he held a field campaign committee meeting [1]. Jung said the ruling party has continued a pattern of negative campaigning and blaming others following what he described as the revival of insurrection-related nominations [1].
In response, Rep. Jang Dong-hyuk of the People Power Party focused on the quality of the ruling party's own candidates. Jang said that individuals who are unqualified or insufficient in capability must be removed from the ticket [2].
While Jung conducted a two-day field schedule in Jeju [1], the battle for the Seoul mayor's office continues to intensify [2]. Both parties are now locked into their final strategies with only 19 days remaining until the elections [1].
The registration deadline on May 15 marks the final point for candidates to officially enter the race for the June 3 polls [1]. With the lists now set, the focus shifts from internal party selection to public campaigning, and voter mobilization across the country.
“"국힘, 선거운동마저 네거티브…남 탓 일색"”
The immediate shift from candidate registration to active campaigning signifies the start of the final sprint toward the June 3 elections. The contrasting strategies—the Democratic Party focusing on the ruling party's perceived lack of accountability and the People Power Party emphasizing internal vetting—suggest a battle between external political critique and internal party discipline.
