The Democratic Party on Sunday identified five of the 14 districts holding the June 3 local elections and parliamentary by-elections as tight races. The party flatly dismissed reports of a close contest between independent candidate Kim Kwan-yong and Democratic Party candidate Lee Won-taek in the North Jeolla gubernatorial race as an "optical illusion."
Cho Seung-rae, the Democratic Party's secretary general and head of the central election committee, made the remarks at a National Assembly briefing, noting that "from the 28th, polling results can no longer be published." He said, "In the metropolitan area, polls show tight races in Pyeongtaek-B, South Chungcheong's Gongju-Buyeo-Cheongyang, Busan's Buk-A, Ulsan's Nam-A, and even Daegu's Dalseong. Daegu and Ulsan's Nam district are traditional People Power Party strongholds, so a close race there is unusual."
On polling trends in the North Jeolla gubernatorial race, Cho said, "We need to note the wide gaps between polls released at the same time," adding, "There is a major optical illusion at play, and that is precisely why candidate Kim had no choice but to falsely claim that he was running as an independent with the president's approval." He criticized the move, saying, "Dragging in President Lee Jae-myung as justification for his candidacy is highly problematic."
Regarding talks with the Progressive Party on fielding a unified candidate for Ulsan mayor, Cho said, "As secretary general of the Democratic Party, I deeply apologize for the dismay and shock caused to the Progressive Party by the suspension of unification talks." He added, "I am grateful to the Progressive Party leadership for deciding to resume unification efforts. Now that we have returned to the spirit of agreement, we will join hands and secure victory."
On the collapse during demolition work at the Seosomun overpass, Cho said, "First and foremost, the relevant authorities must take every measure to prevent further collapses or chain accidents." He continued, "Safety has become the most critical role for local government heads. There must be thoroughness and meticulousness in preparing for worst-case scenarios, but Mayor Oh Se-hoon seems to fall short on that meticulousness."
