Jeonju merchants: "Jeong Cheong-rae shaking Lee Jae-myung, not good"… changing sentiment among 'Honam mothers'

A merchant at Jeonju's Moraenae Market said he had withdrawn his support for Jeong Cheong-rae. He said Jeong Cheong-rae is attacking President Lee Jae-myung and trying to become party leader himself. He expressed disappointment that someone who once served President Lee now seems to be teaming up with writer Yu Si-min to make things hard for him.

The merchant said his view changed as he watched Jeong Cheong-rae's conduct, and that he judged Kim Min-seok to be the better choice.

Those interviewed said they had supported Lee Won-taek in the previous election.

It was confirmed that many of Lee Won-taek's former supporters are now also backing Kim Min-seok.

A clothing merchant said the mood among Honam mothers who visit his shop has changed greatly. According to him, many of the mothers have taken a critical stance toward Jeong Cheong-rae.

The mothers reportedly cannot understand why Jeong Cheong-rae is trying to take down President Lee, and some used harsh language to criticize him.

They believe his words do not match his actions.

The merchants made clear they have no intention of supporting Jeong Cheong-rae.

Of the three merchants interviewed, two said from the start that they actively support Kim Min-seok. One merchant was initially cautious, but during the conversation confessed that he, too, actually supports Kim Min-seok.

This suggests support for Kim Min-seok may be spread wider than it appears on the surface, indicating the presence of 'shy Kim Min-seok' voters.

Clothing merchants reported that many Honam mothers have turned away from Jeong Cheong-rae.

The merchants described an atmosphere in which Honam mothers, disappointed by his conduct, are withdrawing their support.

Merchants believe he is harassing President Lee in order to become party leader.

This means Jeong Cheong-rae is being seen as someone who has lost trust, and this perception has led to withdrawn support.

Merchants say hardly anyone believes his words.

This is attributed to many voters sensing a mismatch between his words and his actual conduct.

Honam mothers are deeply angered by his conduct.

The mood is that he should not be left unchecked, and analysts say votes are likely to shift through 'punishment voting'.

Honam mothers' disappointment has grown very deep.

They doubt his sincerity, and the prevailing expectation is that they will not respond to his appeals.