By Kim Hyo-jin
New Politics Alliance for Democracy (NPAD) Chairman Moon Jae-in, ramped up the party’s election campaign in Gwangju, Sunday, in a bid to deter independent candidate Chun Jung-bae.
Moon visited Gwangju along with leading members of NPAD and tried to woo voters during a speech to report the passage of the special bill for the Asia Culture Project in Gwangju.
“The passage of the bill is merely the beginning. The NPAD is determined to make Gwangju Korea’s culture capital,” Moon said.
The act will extend the central government's subsidies to build libraries, theatres and fine arts research centers in Gwangju to promote the city as a cultural hub. The Assembly passed the bill this month.
Moon visited the Seogu-B constituency in Gwangju first, out of four constituencies that will be contested in the April 29 by-election.
Gwangju, the opposition party’s traditional home turf, has become a critical venue for Moon since former senior NPAD adviser Chun Jung-bae declared his bid to run as an independent candidate.
Chun left the party this month, criticizing the party for lack of momentum toward reform. The veteran four-term lawmaker, who grew in the political sphere besides late former President Kim Dae-jung, is reportedly appealing to Gwangju voters.
Moon faces challenges as a possible split in votes is expected.
“The prospects in Gwangju can affect those in every constituency,” Moon told a press briefing the same day, citing the need to gather momentum in the region.
After Moon’s visit, Chun criticized the NPAD for the move.
“It reflects the minds of those with vested interests in politics,” said Chun’s spokesperson.
“As the main opposition party, the NPAD is supposed to make the utmost efforts in the Seoul Metropolitan area against the ruling Saenuri Party. But instead, by choosing to visit Gwangju, it proves it is reluctant give up its interest in the region.”