Status Quo Changes Presidential Candidates’ Patterns

[Anchor]

In past presidential elections, candidates typically visited traditional markets, community centers for seniors, and college towns.

However, this year, the list of must-visit places seem to have changed slightly.

Amidst the status quo of candlelight rallies, the early stages of the presidential race are looking different.

Na Jae-heon has more.

[Reporter]

The number one destination for presidential candidates running for the early election is Paengmok Port.

Near the 1,000th day anniversary of the ferry disaster, former representative Sohn Hak-gyu and Seongnam Mayor Lee Jae-myoung visited the port. Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who returned home last week, will also embark on a Yeongnam and Honam tour today, the 17th, from Bongha Village of Gimhae to Paengmok Port.

Running parallel with the impeachment trial, this is interpreted as an act of embracing public sentiment, which considers public safety and protection of life as key qualities to have in the next leader.

Visits to the fire site in Yeosu first by the former representative of The Minjoo Party Moon Jae-in, followed by former representative of The People's Party Ahn Cheol-soo and former UN Secretary-General Ban are also interpreted along similar lines.

The weekend candlelight rallies, continuing in Seoul’s Gwanghwamun and many other places across the country, have become something of a sacred place for candidates from the opposition parties.

Seongnam Mayor Lee Jae-myoung and Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon are dropping by every week, and Moon Jae-in also tries to schedule his weekend by taking the rallies into consideration.

<Moon Jae-in / Former Head of Minjoo Party> “Thank you. Thank you.”

Ban is also trying to embrace public sentiment in candlelight rallies.

<Ban Ki-moon / Former Secretary-General of UN> “(Are you planning to go out to the candlelight rallies?) I will look for an opportunity. (Can we take that as a yes?) Yes, I will see if an opportunity comes up…”

Podcasts have also become frequent destinations for opposition candidates.

Moon’s two appearances in a podcast popular among young people also reflect this significance.

The early race has already fired up in various aspects of the current political situation. In the end, they are expected to expand to evenly include seniors, the middle-aged population, and young people.

Na Jae-heon reporting for Yonhap News TV.

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