Song Young-gil, former leader of the Democratic Party of Korea and the party's candidate for the Incheon Yeonsu-gap by-election, took aim at party chairman Jung Chung-rae, who has been engaged in wide-ranging nationwide campaigning, saying, "The leadership is not supposed to go around promoting themselves."
The remarks are interpreted as a check on Jung, a rival in the upcoming party leadership race, after Jung recently sparked controversy with his "oppa" (older brother) comment while campaigning at Gupo Market in Busan.
Speaking on SBS Radio's "Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show" on Wednesday, Song told the party leadership, "Campaign support visits are meant to boost the candidate, and you should not become the main character." He added, "When you help someone, if you act unilaterally and on your own terms, they may not be able to openly object but could feel burdened."
The comments are seen as a jab at Jung, who has recently been touring the Yeongnam region, including Pohang in North Gyeongsang Province, Busan, and Changwon in South Gyeongsang Province, to support candidates. Jung drew criticism after asking an elementary school student to call Democratic Party candidate Ha Jung-woo, who is running in Busan Buk-gap, "oppa" during a visit to Gupo Market.
Regarding the Yeongnam region, considered unfavorable terrain for the Democratic Party, Song said, "Yeongnam is a sensitive region, and once a mood of wariness spreads, the campaign can collapse within a week." He added, "It is right to send whoever is needed based on the opinions of local voters and those running the campaign on the ground."
