Jung ramps up outreach as Jang keeps low profile

Mar 26, 2026, 09:26 am

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Jung Cheong-rae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, greeted a child during a visit to a traditional market in Chungju, North Chungcheong Province, on March 25. / Yonhap News

Jung Cheong-rae and Jang Dong-hyuk, leaders of South Korea’s two major parties, are taking sharply contrasting approaches ahead of the June 3 local elections, underscoring growing political tensions.

Jung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, has been actively touring regions across the country, holding on-site leadership meetings and engaging in grassroots outreach. His recent visits have included Gimhae and Jinju in South Gyeongsang Province, as well as Sunchang in North Jeolla Province.

During a meeting in Chungju on Wednesday, Jung emphasized balanced regional development, saying, “Chungbuk must develop for all regions to grow evenly.” His field-oriented approach is widely seen as an effort to secure public support and reinforce the party’s pro-livelihood image ahead of the elections.

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Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, headed to the floor leader’s office with party leadership after a closed-door meeting at the National Assembly in Seoul on March 25. / Lee Byung-hwa

He has also taken an active role in shaping the electoral landscape, publicly urging former Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum to run in the Daegu mayoral race.

In contrast, Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, has maintained a low-key stance, minimizing public appearances and statements despite ongoing nomination disputes within his party.

Jang has refrained from taking a front-line role in the election campaign, repeatedly stating that he respects the decisions of the party’s nomination committee.

Analysts say the contrasting strategies reflect differing political circumstances. The Democratic Party, buoyed by relatively strong approval ratings, is pursuing an aggressive nationwide strategy, aiming to win 16 out of 17 metropolitan and provincial governments.

Recent polls showing Kim Boo-kyum leading in potential head-to-head matchups in the conservative stronghold of Daegu have further boosted the party’s confidence.

Meanwhile, the People Power Party has been struggling with internal discord stemming from nomination controversies, including high-profile cutoffs involving Joo Ho-young and Lee Jin-sook.

Jang has set goals of defending Seoul and Busan, but some observers remain skeptical. Rep. Bae Hyun-jin said in a radio interview that there is “not a single district where Jang’s campaign visit would be helpful.”

Political commentator Park Sang-byung said the Democratic Party currently enjoys a favorable campaign environment nationwide, while Jang faces constraints beyond the conservative stronghold of the Daegu-North Gyeongsang region.

“Stepping outside could only amplify internal conflicts,” Park said, warning that increased exposure could further strain the party’s fragile unity.

#Jung Cheong-rae #Jang Dong-hyuk #Democratic Party #People Power Party