GNP race marred by factionalism

By Kim Se-jeong

The contest to pick new leadership at the ruling Grand National Party (GNP)’s national convention on July 4 is increasingly being marked by factionalism.

The race is shaping into two camps largely, the candidates backed by pro-President legislators against the rest. And there is dearth of policy visions emerging from the seven candidates.

Rep. Won Hee-ryong stands alone on the side of the pro-Lee camp, which reportedly endorsed Won as the party’s next leader. Won downplayed the presidential endorsement, but the news has quickly separated him from the rest of the candidates.

Rep. Hong Joon-pyo publicly complained. “One faction is inducing GNP members to cast a ballot for a certain candidate.”

Rep. Nam Kyung-pil said Won is to blame for the divide. “Won has changed the course of the GNP leadership campaign from a healthy competition to a game between factions.” Won was the last to enter the race. Rep. Na Kyung-won echoed Nam’s sentiments, and criticized Won.

In response, Won said “(The endorsement) is baseless nonsense serving only to divide and damage the party.”

According to an opinion poll released Monday by the Hankyoreh, a left-wing daily based in Seoul, Won came in third, following Hong and Na, who gained 31 and 30 percent of support respectively.

The presence of Park’s influence as a strong presidential candidate is strongly felt in the race, but not necessarily creating a split, insiders said.

Rep. Yoo Seong-min, whose electoral district is based in Daegu, is in the most favorable position in winning the pro-Park support.

Daegu is also Park’s traditional stronghold.

Well aware of the sizable pro-Park voters, other candidates attempt to appeal to them.

Hong proclaimed himself Park’s “bodyguard.” Rep. Kwon Young-se said, “I am more suitable to be Park’s bodyguard.”

Nam promised Park a landslide victory in Seoul at the presidential election next year. “I’ll make Park win in the Seoul metropolitan area.”

Na also said that she will pave the way for Park.

During the run-up to the election next Monday, candidates will shore up support in Daejeon, Chungcheong Province, Gangwon Province, Incheon and Gyeonggi Province. Gyeongsang Province, Daegu and Busan were the first campaign destinations, to which the candidates visited last week.