As the Democratic Party of Korea presidential primary is underway, the spouses of the candidates have also begun supporting activities. Notably, there is a noticeable difference in approach between Kim Hye-kyung, the spouse of candidate Lee Jae-myung, and Jeong Woo-young, the spouse of candidate Kim Dong-yeon. Kim, who is facing justice risks, including allegations of personal misuse of a corporate credit card in Gyeonggi Province, has recently engaged in "quiet support" primarily around religious leaders. In contrast, Jeong has actively campaigned in public, visiting his hometown of Chungnam and the Honam region, where circuit primaries are scheduled, meeting with party members and voters.
On the 24th, according to officials from each camp, Kim, the spouse of candidate Lee, recently visited the Daejeon Diocese Cathedral of the Catholic Church in Ban-gok-dong, Sejong, and met with Bishop Kim Jong-soo (Augustine), the head of the diocese. Kim has been meeting with influential figures in the religious community since Lee declared his candidacy for the presidency.
Last week, during the Democratic Party of Korea's circuit primary in the Yeongnam region, he visited Tongdo Temple in Yangsan, Gyeongnam, to meet with Monk Hyun-deok. Additionally, it has been reported that he visited various temples across the country, including Jingwan Temple in Seoul, Beomeosa Temple in Busan, and Sudeoksa Temple in Chungnam.
The spouse of candidate Kim, Jeong, visited Cheonan in Chungnam, his hometown, last week when the Democratic Party of Korea held a joint speech meeting in the Chungcheong region. Jeong also visited the Cheonan branch of the Daejeon District Court to pay respects at the bust of his late grandfather, former Judge Jeong Bong-mo, who served as the first presiding judge there.
Especially the day before (the 23rd), candidate Kim revisited Anpo Village in Yeosu, which he previously visited during his tenure as Deputy Prime Minister for Economy. The third round of the circuit Honam region primaries has been underway since the 21st. Voting for party members in Gwangju, Jeonnam, and Jeonbuk has been ongoing since the day before, and the results are scheduled to be announced on the 26th.