Jung Chung-rae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, returned to South Gyeongsang about 70 days later. He met Kim Kyeong-soo, the single nominee for the Democratic Party of Korea's South Gyeongsang governor candidate and former South Gyeongsang governor, and visited Hadong and Jinju in South Gyeongsang to hear about livelihood issues. With the local election standard-bearer decided early, analysts say he has begun to "solidify public sentiment" in South Gyeongsang.
On the afternoon of the 18th, Leader Jung held an on-site Supreme Council meeting at MBC Convention in Jinju, South Gyeongsang. Before the meeting, he visited Jingyo Public Market in Hadong, South Gyeongsang, and after the meeting, he visited the Agricultural Products Distribution Center in Sugok-myeon, Jinju, South Gyeongsang, to take part in a strawberry sorting and transport experience.
Leader Jung visited South Gyeongsang again about 70 days after holding an on-site Supreme Council meeting in Changwon, South Gyeongsang, on Jan. 9. As former Governor Kim Kyeong-soo completed his candidate registration the previous day and entered the race, it is seen as an intention to go to South Gyeongsang in person to offer support.
After finishing the livelihood experience at the Agricultural Products Distribution Center, Leader Jung met with reporters and said, "Here in Jinju is a special area that grows 40% of Korea's strawberry exports," adding, "If there is anything the government can do to backstop so that farm households can generate revenue, we will do it."
He went on, "If those running in Jinju are elected, we will not just visit once and leave; we will become a Democratic Party that returns to check in again," and emphasized, "If candidate Kim Kyeong-soo does well, I hope he will pay special attention to Sugok-myeon."
Leader Jung also said, "People say Busan and South Gyeongsang are relatively difficult compared to other regions, but after coming to Hadong and Jinju today, it's not necessarily so, and I felt that the look in people's eyes toward the Democratic Party has grown warmer than before, so I leave reassured," adding, "Still, we will care with utmost sincerity and devotion, so we would be grateful if you open your hearts more."