“We love you, Congressman Park!”
The main auditorium of the National Assembly Library in Yeouido, Seoul, was packed to capacity around 3 PM on February 10. Political figures and supporters flocked to the publication celebration for “Black Sleet,” the debut book by Democratic Party Congressman Park Chan-dae (representing Yeonsu District, Incheon).
A long queue of supporters formed at the photo zone near the auditorium entrance, eager to snap pictures with Congressman Park. Some enthusiastically waved placards declaring, “Park Chan-dae is the right choice!” and cheered with supportive banners.
As factional tensions within the Democratic Party intensify over the potential merger with the Justice Party, the presence of party leader Jeong Cheong-rae at Park’s book launch – a key figure in the pro-Lee Jae-myung faction – elicited jeers from some attendees.
Notably, Congressman Kim Kyo-hung (West District, Incheon), who has recently aligned closely with Jeong, also attended the event. Kim, the first to announce his candidacy for the Incheon mayoral race, may face a direct confrontation with Park if the latter officially enters the race.
Political analysts suggest that if the Democratic Party’s candidate pool narrows to a Park Chan-dae versus Kim Kyo-hung showdown, it could evolve into a proxy battle between the pro-Lee Jae-myung faction and the pro-Jeong Cheong-rae faction.
As a three-term lawmaker, Kim is regarded as a seasoned politician with a solid local base. Park, who has long collaborated with party leader Lee Jae-myung, is known for his experience and capabilities on the national political stage – considered his greatest assets.
During the event, Park rallied his supporters, praising them as “the organized power of engaged citizens.” He focused on fostering unity and boosting morale ahead of the upcoming local elections.
“We recognize that the power of the majority, which holds absolute sovereignty in electing the National Assembly Speaker and party leader, lies with our party members,” Park stated. He added, “I trust that the collective wisdom of our members will guide us in the right direction.”
Insiders expect Park to announce his candidacy before the Lunar New Year holiday. On February 3, he visited Incheon City Hall and told reporters, “I will address this at an appropriate time after the book launch. I intend to make a decision before the Lunar New Year break.”
/By Byeon Seong-won, Reporter, bsw906@incheonilbo.com
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