Gaeseong Industrial Complex an issue in by-elections

by Andy Jackson on October 25, 2006

The North Korean nuke test has hardened differences between South Korea’s major political parties on Seoul economic assistance to Pyongyang, as evidenced by this piece from the JoongAng.

Compare this:

Kang Jae-up, the leading opposition Grand National Party chairman, reminded Incheon voters that Uri chairman Kim Geun-tae danced with North Korean waitresses Friday at the Kaesong Industrial Complex. “We have to give a lesson to this government by electing the Grand National candidate,” Mr. Kang said.

With this:

The Uri chairman campaigned in the Haenam-Jindo district. “The Uri candidate is the person to continue the Sunshine Policy,” he told voters. The region is the political stronghold of former President Kim Dae-jung, who started the policy. The minor opposition Democratic Party, founded by the former president, also campaigned there.

Haenam-Jindo had been held by the Democratic Party and they are expected to keep it.  I am not sure about the Incheon seat.  The National Assembly home page says that 8 of 11 seats in the city are held by Uri, with the GNP holding the other three.

{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }

1 SomeguyinKorea October 25, 2006 at 2:28 pm

With all their antics, I’d be surprised if Park Geun Hee isn’t elected the next president.

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