Jeon says he will "bring in full government support" ... Kim says he will "actively cooperate with the government for regional development" [June 3 local elections]

\r\n\r\nThe Ulsan Nam-gu Gap constituency, the National Assembly seat left vacant by Kim Sang-wook's run for mayor of Ulsan as a Democratic Party of Korea candidate, is heading into a by-election in which both the Democratic Party of Korea and the PPP have fielded political newcomers. As a result, the race appears to be shaped more by the overall political landscape than by the candidates themselves. That is why Jeon Tae-jin of the Democratic Party of Korea has labeled Kim Tae-gyu of the PPP a "Yoon Again" candidate, referring to his career, while Kim Tae-gyu has invoked "betrayal" in response to Kim Sang-wook's departure from the PPP.
■ Jeon Tae-jin: "We must make a choice that helps the region"
Ulsan Nam-gu Gap is a district the Democratic Party of Korea once held. But because Kim Sang-wook won there in the last general election under the PPP banner, it is a region with a strong traditional conservative base. For Jeon Tae-jin, this is less of a defense battle than a campaign to win the seat back.
In an interview with The Financial News on the 19th, Jeon said, "I fully recognize that Ulsan Nam-gu Gap has long been a district where conservative parties have been strong, and that this will not be an easy election." He has been criticizing the background of his opponent, Kim Tae-gyu.
Jeon said, "While serving as vice chairperson of the ACRC, Kim Tae-gyu was embroiled in controversy over the hasty closure of the Dior bag case involving Kim Keon Hee, the wife of former President Yoon Suk Yeol. Later, as vice chairperson of the KCC, he took part in the Yoon administration's controversy over media control." He added, "He showed inappropriate behavior in the National Assembly and is a 'Yoon Again' candidate who defended martial law."
He also promised to make full use of the advantages of being in the ruling party and secure strong government support. "The mood among Ulsan citizens I meet in the field is quite encouraging. They understand that cooperation with the central government and its support are necessary to resolve the many pending issues," he said. "Even among conservative-leaning citizens, I hear a lot of people say that now is the time to make a choice that is helpful. There is clearly a sense that people want to see who can work with the central government to bring in budgets and support." He added, "What Ulsan needs is not someone who will only fight with the government."
■ Kim Tae-gyu: "Persuading the government on national industrial strategy"
In response, Kim Tae-gyu said in an interview with this paper that the period Jeon criticized, during his service at the ACRC and KCC, was one in which he upheld the Constitution and the rule of law despite political attacks. "I have walked the path of a public servant as a judge, vice chairperson of the ACRC, and acting chairperson of the KCC, consistently upholding the order of the Constitution and the rule of law and firmly enforcing procedural legitimacy," he said. "At the KCC in particular, I had to endure intense political attacks. I came to realize deeply that no matter how hard one tries to uphold principles in administrative work, if the legislative framework itself is not properly in place, it can be shaken by political conflict."
Kim Tae-gyu also said residents of Ulsan Nam-gu Gap are deeply disappointed by Kim Sang-wook's decision to change party affiliation. "The residents I meet in the field are highly disappointed with politics that moves according to political interests or takes lightly the trust built with residents," he said. "I will stay by the side of residents until the end, guided by my original commitment to politics without betrayal and politics that takes responsibility."
On the issue of having to persuade the government as an opposition candidate, he said, "National projects and budgets are not decided simply because a party is the same. They often depend on how convincingly one presents the need for the project, the policy rationale, and its national ripple effects." He added, "Ulsan Nam-gu is a region directly tied to industrial competitiveness, so I will approach this not as a simple local complaint but from the perspective of national industrial strategy and future growth engines in order to persuade the government." He continued, "Rather than unconditional confrontation, I will actively cooperate on what is needed for regional development."
uknow@fnnews.com Kim Yoon-ho Reporter