Bae Hyun-jin sharply criticizes Jang Dong-hyuk: 'Hands off Seoul elections'

Rep. Bae Hyun-jin of the People Power Party has publicly opposed and criticized Party Chairman Jang Dong-hyuk's election activities in Seoul. Rep. Bae told Chairman Jang, "Hands off Seoul elections. Staying quiet is helping." She pointed out that Chairman Jang seems to have forgotten the Seoul metropolitan area, focusing solely on supporting election campaigns in other regions. Rep. Bae added that Chairman Jang's behavior is like seeing an 'avoidant boyfriend.'

Rep. Jang Dong-hyuk of the People Power Party posted photos on Facebook on May 15th of his visit to Inwang Market in Hongje-dong, Seodaemun District, Seoul. Along with the photos, Rep. Jang wrote, "They say Hongje-dong (Seoul, not Gangneung) is where Woo Sang-ho used to live. He'll probably return to Hongje-dong (Seoul) soon." This appears to be a jab at Democratic Party candidate Woo Sang-ho for Gyeonggi Province governor, who mistakenly referred to Hongje-dong in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, as 'Hongje-dong in Wonju' during a TV debate.

Rep. Bae Hyun-jin emphasized that while official bodies like the Central Election Campaign Committee are unavoidable for exposure, the party leadership needs to adopt a stance of observing the Seoul metropolitan area's election committees and individual camps, allowing them to operate independently. Rep. Bae added, "Read the room," indirectly referencing Chairman Jang's past actions, which evoked his January post where he left roses at a hunger strike site.

Rep. Bae Hyun-jin's remarks could ignite debate within the party regarding the election strategy for the Seoul metropolitan area and the issue of running in difficult constituencies. Rep. Bae, classified as part of the 'pro-Han Dong-hoon' faction, highlights potential conflicts with the party leadership and could influence the upcoming election landscape.