Jang Dong-hyuk visits the birthplace of First Lady Yuk Young-soo in Okcheon, North Chungcheong Province [Okcheon=Yonhap News]

Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, has begun his campaign to win over voters in the Chungcheong region ahead of the June 3 local elections.

Following his visits to Busan and Daegu on the 2nd-3rd and Suwon on the 6th, he is now attempting to garner votes in the central region, which includes his constituency (Boryeong and Seocheon, South Chungcheong Province).

On the afternoon of the 9th, Jang visited the birthplace of First Lady Yuk Young-soo, spouse of former President Park Chung-hee, in Okcheon-gun, North Chungcheong Province.

He left a message in the guestbook stating, "I will repay the love with which you embraced the people with selfless affection, through politics that serves the people," and then paid his respects to Madam Yuk with a flower offering and a moment of silence.

He told reporters, "First Lady Yuk Young-soo was someone who looked after the less fortunate from humble beginnings and embraced the people with a benevolent heart."

He added, "Coming here has made me reflect once again on what politics should be about," emphasizing, "Current politics, once in power, seeks to lord over the people, not to serve but to oppress them."

Jang then attended the opening ceremony of the campaign office for Jeon Sang-in, the People Power Party's candidate for Okcheon County Mayor.

He took off his shoes and bowed deeply to supporters with socks on, and then ceded the first congratulatory speech to Rep. Park Deuk-heum (four-term incumbent, from Boeun, Okcheon, Yeongdong, and Goesan in North Chungcheong Province), who chairs the party's nomination committee.

He then praised Rep. Park, saying, "He is the elder brother of Chungcheong and has concluded this nomination process impeccably. I believe he will soon be undertaking even greater tasks. You understand what I mean, don't you?"

He also directed his words towards President Lee Jae-myung and the Democratic Party, stating forcefully, "He is acting as if he will erase all his sins now that he has become president. Such individuals cannot be tolerated in Chungcheong, a region of dignity and loyalty."

Jang then traveled to Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province, to attend the opening ceremony of the campaign office for his party's candidate for Governor of South Chungcheong Province, Kim Tae-heum.

Meanwhile, Jang greeted his party's candidate for Governor of North Chungcheong Province, Kim Young-hwan, warmly with a hug on the same day he visited Madam Yuk's birthplace.

Candidate Kim had experienced a dramatic comeback after initially being cut from the nomination list but surviving through an injunction. During this tumultuous period, he had clashed with the party leadership, including Jang.

However, he recently stated at a press conference, "Regardless of whether they are competent or not, the leadership was chosen by the party members, so we should not shake things up any further." In response, Jang had also stated, "I send great applause and enthusiastic support for Governor Kim's dignified stance."