Kim Jin-tae, a preliminary candidate for Gangwon governor from the People Power Party, criticized People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyeok, saying that "the one who tied the knot should untie it."
On the morning of the 22nd, candidate Kim announced on-site pledges for a village hall with leader Jang Dong-hyeok of the People Power Party at the Susan-ri fishing village hall in Yangyang, Gangwon Province. The day drew attention as Jang's first event to support the People Power Party's metropolitan-level candidates ahead of the June 3 local elections.
The friendly mood broke when candidate Kim began his greeting. As if he had made up his mind, Kim leveled sharp criticism at leader Jang.
Kim said, "I will share voices from the field," then added, "After touring the field, there are many people who say, 'I used to be with the red party, but I'm so furious I won't vote,'" and said, "At first I just thought I should work hard on my own and ran around, but the party still needs to provide some support." He said, "If those people who are too angry to vote don't show up at the polls, we really have no hope."
Kim said, "In Gangwon Province, our party has about 300 candidates. They probably feel similarly," and added, "When they heard leader Jang would come to Gangwon, the candidates asked me to speak out more strongly. Even if I spend all day on my feet until they swell, there are many moments when my heart sinks whenever a central news alert pops up."
Kim said, "From a candidate's perspective, with life or death decided in 42 days, I'm burning up inside," adding, "I hope you return to the splendid Jang Dong-hyeok of the past. The one who tied the knot should untie it."
Leader Jang, without much of a response to Kim's remarks, read his prepared opening remarks. Jang said, "For Gangwon to develop, we need a governor who knows Gangwon well and has lived closely with its residents," and added, "The People Power Party will firmly join hands with Kim Jin-tae and pour all our strength unsparingly into Gangwon's development."