Democratic Party National Convention, Song Young-gil Rises as 'Honam Presidential Candidate Since DJ'... Lee Sang-ho's 'Strategist Role' Fails

Reporter Lee Jung-joo mentioned that after the defeat in the Chungcheong region primary, Lee Sang-ho posted an article saying, 'Be happy only today. From tomorrow,' suggesting that his emergence significantly influenced the national convention. The analysis indicates that Lee Sang-ho's message, following Jung Cheong-rae's defeat, caused considerable repercussions within the support base. Some opinions also suggested that the flow of the election changed when he stepped into the forefront.

Lawyer Kang Soo-young explained that Lee Sang-ho is a former member of 'Nosamo 1st generation' and had a powerful influence in the Busan Democratic Party organization, to the extent of being called 'Number 2.' This background raised expectations that he could mobilize organizational power in the Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam (Bu-Ul-Gyeong) region while supporting candidate Jung Cheong-rae at the national convention. His organizational control was predicted to be a crucial variable in the election results.

Lawyer Kang Soo-young stated that in the Bu-Ul-Gyeong region, it was widely expected that candidate Jung Cheong-rae would win unconditionally. Despite these predictions based on Lee Sang-ho's strong organizational control, the actual results showed candidate Jung Cheong-rae losing by a narrow margin. This indicates that unforeseen variables, not just organizational power, were at play, exposing the limitations of the election strategy.

Lawyer Kang Soo-young pointed out that a 'strategist' typically plans tactics from behind, but Lee Sang-ho stepped into the forefront too hastily. While a strategist's role is usually to quietly formulate and execute strategies, Lee Sang-ho's public activities resulted in the exposure of Jung Cheong-rae's strategy. This public emergence is assessed to have led to a failure in election strategy and ultimately affected Jung Cheong-rae's defeat.

Reporter Lee Jung-joo speculated that Jung Cheong-rae's camp must have been very flustered after losing the Chungcheong region primary. The analysis suggests that with an unexpected defeat early in the election, their initial strategy began to unravel. This impatience led to urgent strategic changes, such as Lee Sang-ho's public emergence, and it is believed to have negatively impacted the overall national convention.

Lawyer Noh Young-hee assessed that Lee Sang-ho likely did not have a significant impact on the national convention's outcome. Instead, she raised the possibility that his emergence created a negative image for candidate Jung Cheong-rae. Mentions related to Lee Sang-ho's past controversies further worsened his image, which ultimately had a detrimental effect on Jung Cheong-rae's approval ratings. The prevailing assessment is that his stepping into the forefront produced more negative than positive effects.

Reporter Lee Jung-joo pointed out that the concept of 'Nosamo in Yeongnam campaigning in Honam' is actually an old concept. This style of campaigning, while perhaps effective in the past, could be perceived as anachronistic by modern voters. Especially in an election like a national convention, which involves voters of various generations, an old-fashioned, region-based campaign method could evoke antipathy. This was mentioned as an example showing that election strategies must keep pace with changing times.

Reporter Lee Jung-joo named Assemblywoman Seo Mi-hwa and Assemblyman Song Young-gil as those who gained real benefits from this national convention. It is evaluated that the convention, beyond the wins and losses of specific candidates, served as an opportunity to strengthen the political positions of other figures. In particular, it is widely believed that Assemblyman Song Young-gil successfully re-established his presence to the public through this opportunity.

Reporter Lee Jung-joo evaluated that Assemblyman Song Young-gil built an image of sacrificing himself through this national convention, and at the same time, his intelligence was reaffirmed. This means he succeeded in renewing his public image by demonstrating both sacrifice for the party and policy capabilities, beyond simply running for office. This image transformation is analyzed to be an important stepping stone for solidifying his position as a future presidential candidate.

Assemblyman Song Young-gil significantly improved his image through this national convention. He used it as an opportunity to reintroduce 'human Song Young-gil' to the public and consistently emphasized the importance of the success of the Lee Jae-myung administration. These remarks and his debate style instilled in many supporters the perception that the success of the Lee Jae-myung administration meant the success of the party, ultimately achieving the political effect of consolidating his support base.

Reporter Lee Jung-joo expressed the opinion that Assemblyman Song Young-gil should join the cabinet, positively evaluating his potential for ministerial appointment. Although Assemblyman Song has accumulated diverse political experience, cabinet participation is a new area for him, which would be a fresh challenge. Given that a second cabinet reshuffle is scheduled, it was mentioned that there is sufficient possibility for him to take on a ministerial position, and it is expected to be an opportunity to further broaden his political spectrum.

Reporter Lee Jung-joo stated that he believes Assemblyman Song Young-gil will go on to become the Minister of Foreign Affairs. He cited as evidence that he is already receiving many calls from Foreign Ministry officials, who contact him to inquire about the actual situation. This suggests that Assemblyman Song's name is already being considered among foreign minister candidates, indicating that his expertise and experience in foreign affairs are highly valued. There is also an expectation that the role of Foreign Minister would suit him well.

Reporter Lee Jung-joo said that if Assemblyman Song Young-gil were to be appointed as Minister of Foreign Affairs, he would look forward to Song Young-gil's unique style, where he would rather reprimand the candidates at the confirmation hearing. In particular, he expressed his desire to see Assemblyman Song strongly rebuke the candidates if the confirmation hearing were actually to be held, as candidate Jung Cheong-rae had predicted. This reflects a high appreciation for Assemblyman Song's strong-willed and sharp demeanor, and an expectation that he would show a fresh and different side at the hearing.

Reporter Lee Jung-joo mentioned that Assemblyman Song Young-gil has recently been appealing to voters with a humorous way of speaking. In particular, his witty analogy, 'Regarding the talk of repeatedly reheating bone hangover soup, even bone hangover soup won't yield broth after boiling it three times,' became a big sensation. This analogy garnered such a great public response that there was even talk of the National Bone Hangover Soup Restaurant Association giving him an appreciation plaque. This shows that Assemblyman Song successfully built a positive image by communicating with the public in a humorous and witty manner.

Reporter Lee Jung-joo evaluated Assemblyman Song Young-gil as the first meaningful presidential candidate from Honam since former President Kim Dae-jung. He emphasized Song's narrative, where as a student council president at Yonsei University, he risked his life fighting against dictatorship, and after the student movement, he passed the bar examination in Tokyo to advocate for the vulnerable, subsequently being scouted by Chairman Kim Dae-jung. This background and his excellent work capabilities demonstrate that he fully qualifies as a presidential candidate, succeeding former President Kim Dae-jung as a politician from Honam.