Kwon Young-gook remains unwavering beacon of hope for progressives

Kwon Young-gook, candidate of the minor Democratic Labor Party, speaks during a press conference at the party's office in Seoul, Wednesday, a day after the presidential election. Yonhap

Kwon Young-gook, candidate of the minor Democratic Labor Party, secured less than 1 percent of the vote in Tuesday’s presidential election yet became an unexpected symbol of hope for Korea’s progressives.

In the election, which saw Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party of Korea secure the presidency, Kwon won a share of 0.98 percent, or 344,150 votes. Despite the constraints of representing a minor progressive party, Kwon’s advocacy for workers and minorities allowed his voice to resonate clearly throughout the presidential race.

He also succeeded in receiving more than 1.3 billion won ($949,112) in donations within hours after polls closed, signaling a strong show of support for his campaign and the values he has represented.

“I will walk alongside those who have been excluded, those whose lives have been pushed to the margins, those whose identities go unrecognized and those who are poor and suffering,” Kwon wrote on his Facebook page after exit polls conducted by major broadcasters were announced Tuesday evening.

“I will never betray the support you gave me. I understand the meaning behind the pain and exclusion felt by those who had no one else to turn to but a candidate polling at just over 1 percent. I will gather these hearts together and make a new beginning.”

Presidential candidates who receive more than 15 percent of the vote in the election are eligible to have their campaign expenses reimbursed in full by the National Election Commission. Those who secure between 10 and 15 percent of the vote are entitled to half of their expenses reimbursed.

Kwon, who did not qualify for any reimbursement, expressed gratitude as a wave of donations from supporters poured in after the election.

“The outpouring of support after the polls closed exceeded all previous fundraising efforts,” Kwon said Wednesday at a press conference at the party’s headquarters in Guro District, Seoul.

“I will never forget the support shown to a losing candidate. I will continue to walk hand in hand with those who have been neglected by politics.”

Kwon, who was selected as the unified candidate of a coalition of progressive parties, including the Justice Party, the Labor Party and the Green Party Korea, emphasized the importance of maintaining the alliance through next year’s local elections and the general elections in 2028.

Kwon’s presidential campaign faced an uphill battle from the outset. With little media exposure and low name recognition, the Democratic Labor Party was considered an underdog. However, Kwon’s advocacy for workers and the socially marginalized during televised debates resonated with a segment of voters seeking an alternative.

He began his campaign by visiting high-rise crane workers and paid respects at the memorial of a contract worker who died in a workplace accident at Taean Power Station in Taean, South Chungcheon Province, on Election Day, gestures that many supporters saw as symbols of his commitment to the struggles of ordinary people.

Kwon acknowledged the challenges of running as a minor candidate with limited resources. “We did our best under difficult circumstances. The surge in donations is a testament to the hope that progressive politics still inspires.”