Parties show humility in final appeals to voters, even as attacks on rivals continue

Rep. Jung Chung-rae, leader of the Democratic Party, and Rep. Son Eon-seog, People Power Party floor leader. (Yonhap)

On Monday, just two days before Korea’s local elections and by-elections for National Assembly seats, the ruling Democratic Party and the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) made humble appeals for support from the voting public.The Democratic Party’s campaign headquarters said that the situation room had moved into “high alert” at 6 am on Monday, and would remain that way for the 60 hours until Wednesday’s elections.The party said that during that period, all party members were expected to “strictly avoid any words or actions that could be regarded as smugness or arrogance and to communicate the party’s earnestness to voters with modesty and humility.”In short, the party is on guard against any gaffes or other disastrous mistakes in the final days of the campaign.

Rep. Jung Chung-rae, leader of the Democratic Party, campaigns for Democratic candidates in Goisan County, North Chungcheong Province, on June 1, 2026. (Yonhap)

The PPP is also shifting to a more apologetic mood.Rep. Song Eon-seog, the party’s floor leader, made a public appeal during a press conference at the National Assembly.“We’re aware that the People Power Party is viewed as having fallen short. That’s something we feel sorry and remorseful about,” Song said.But he added, “Shouldn’t we put the brakes on the ruling party, which is drunk off its taste of power?”Rep. Jeong Jeom-sig also made a pitch to voters. “We’ve been doing some serious soul searching about the shortcomings of the People Power Party. We’re committed to turning over a new leaf with a spirit of humility. Please come out to the polls.”