Pro-Park veteran to clash ex-DP leader; Saenuri novice to rival DUP big wig


The key battles of the upcoming April 11 general elections are taking shape as parties announced most of their candidates on Monday.

The inter-party competition is expected to be fiercest in key Seoul districts and in the southeastern region of Yeongnam, including Busan and the Gyeongsang provinces.

Jongno race to decide the drift of the game

The main opposition Democratic United Party confirmed former Democratic Party leader and presidential aspirant Rep. Chung Sye-kyun as its candidate for Jongno, a key constituency in northern Seoul.

The ruling Saenuri Party announced sixth-term Rep. Hong Sa-duk as its rival to Chung. The senior pro-Park Geun-hye lawmaker had earlier decided not to apply for nomination in his long-term constituency in Daegu.

The party’s election tactic of strategic nomination has been to field candidates to politically important districts without internal races or public polls.

Dongjak-B

In the Dongjak-B constituency in central Seoul, another presidential aspirant, Rep. Chung Mong-joon of the Saenuri Party will be competing against former liberal lawmaker Lee Kye-ahn.

Eyes are also drawn to the match as Chung is currently head of Hyundai Heavy Industries and Shipbuilding, whereas Lee was CEO of Hyundai Capital and Hyundai Motor.

Both are expected focus on conglomerate reform and economic democratization, and have so far played a tight game against each other, according to public polls.

Gangnam-B

The Gangnam-B constituency is also to see a heated race, but the Saenuri Party has not yet confirmed its candidate for the area. Six aspiring candidates have so far registered themselves in the area.

The party is said to be paying extra caution to the district as Gangnam has traditionally been in favor of the right-wing in most of the key elections in the past.

The DUP, on the other hand, is to hold an internal race to select its runners between former DP leader Rep. Chung Dong-young and former floor spokesperson Rep. Jeon Hyun-heui.

Jeon earlier hinted at her resignation, should the party name Chung to Gangnam-B and ask her to apply for another area.

Busan, a strategic spot

Sparks are also expected in the southern city of Busan, which is considered a key strategic spot for both parties.

The Saenuri Party selected 27-year-old Sohn Soo-jo, a novice and female member, to rival Moon Jae-in in the Sasang constituency. Sohn is the youngest candidate confirmed for the April elections.

This came against earlier speculation that the party may designate former education vice minister Seol Dong-keun to compete with the former Roh Moo-hyun aide.

The second largest city has long been classified as a conservative stronghold, but has recently shown a swing in polls toward the opposition camp.

By Bae Hyun-jung (tellme@heraldcorp.com)