A Sudden Turn: The Opposition's Internal Crisis

For a long time, internal strife and nomination disputes were seen as the exclusive problem of the ruling People Power Party. The ruling party had been cautiously optimistic, believing that the opposition's instability would lead to a landslide victory in the local elections.

However, the situation has shifted. The Democratic Party is now experiencing its own 'civil war' over candidate nominations, particularly in key regions like Jeonbuk and the metropolitan area.

The Jeonbuk Crisis: A Legal Battle Over Nominations

Jeonbuk Governor Kim Kwan-young has filed a provisional injunction (a temporary court order to stop a specific action) against the party's decision to expel him. This legal move has sent shockwaves through the party's local organization.

If the court accepts the injunction, the primary process for the Jeonbuk Governor candidate must be restarted from scratch, potentially throwing the entire regional election into chaos.

This situation is similar to a sports team having to restart a qualifying round because a previously disqualified player was suddenly reinstated, causing confusion for all other competitors.

Metropolitan War: The Battle of the 'Pro-Lee' Faction

In the Seoul metropolitan area, the conflict is equally intense. In Seoul, a fierce negative campaign (a strategy focusing on attacking the opponent's weaknesses rather than promoting one's own strengths) is underway regarding candidate Jung Won-oh, who was previously praised by the party leader.

Furthermore, intense internal battles are erupting in other key cities:

  • Incheon: Pro-Lee candidates are locked in a zero-sum game.
  • Ansan: No compromise is being made between rival factions.
  • Seongnam: Internal friction is reaching a boiling point.

Leadership Failure in 'Traffic Control'

Despite the escalating tension, the party leadership and the core pro-Lee faction have failed to perform effective traffic control (the act of coordinating interests to prevent conflict).

Because they cannot mediate these disputes, the party risks losing its unity at a critical moment, potentially turning their strongholds into battlegrounds of internal resentment rather than strategic victory.