Political Turmoil: Can Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok Unite the Party Before Local Elections?

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon's decision not to seek the party nomination and Nomination Committee Chair Lee Jeong-hyun's intention to resign have plunged the party into turmoil. Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok urged unity, saying, 'Cutting off dialogue on the brink is not the essence of politics.' He urged Oh Se-hoon to apply for the nomination and asked Lee Jeong-hyun to withdraw his resignation.

Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok called for political unity to resolve internal party discord and secure victory in the upcoming local elections.

He said the party fell into confusion after Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon declined to submit a nomination application and Nomination Committee Chair Lee Jeong-hyun announced his intention to resign, leaving party members and the public deeply unsettled.

On March 13, Yoo spoke at the People Power Party headquarters, saying he stepped forward out of concern for both the party and the country and warning that the conflict could worsen if leaders do not act responsibly.

He added, \”Standing on the edge and cutting off dialogue simply because we disagree is not the essence of politics.\” He urged leaders to exchange views candidly and to make mutual concessions.

Yoo urged Chair Lee to withdraw his resignation and return to his duties so he can fulfill his responsibilities.

He also called on Mayor Oh to promptly submit his nomination application and rejoin the party effort, and asked Party Leader Jang Dong-hyuk to steady the party and consider forming an innovative campaign leadership team.

With the local elections just 82 days away, Yoo argued that if the party is truly determined to prevent the Democratic Party from consolidating local power, there should be no excuse for refusing to hold talks with anyone inside the party.

He pledged to do everything in his power to promote party unity and secure victory in the local elections, saying, \”I sincerely hope the party’s turmoil does not deepen, and I will not refuse any role.\”

Finally, Yoo appealed to Mayor Oh, Chair Lee, and Leader Jang to show understanding and dedication to one another for the sake of the people and the nation.

He said such steps would be an important move toward party unity and winning the local elections.

Incheon = Reporter Lee Chun-man lcm9504@viva100.com