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2. Oct. 26th By-elections Marks Emergence of New Political Forces

2011-12-02

Independent candidate Park Won-soon won a victory on October 26th in the by-election for Seoul mayor. His victory marked the collapse of existing political forces and the emergence of new ones.

A “new wave” in the political sector first emerged following rumors that the Dean of the Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology at Seoul National University, Ahn Cheol-soo, was planning to run for Seoul mayor. Various public surveys showed that Ahn was a favorite possible contender for the mayoral post. However, in early September, Ahn announced that he would not run for Seoul mayor but instead support Park’s bid for the top post.

The lawyer-turned civic activist Park was chosen over Park Young-sun of the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) as the unified opposition candidate for Seoul mayor. He went on to beat ruling Grand National Party (GNP) candidate Na Kyung-won in the by-elections.

Park’s victory is regarded as a clear demonstration of the frustration and dislike that the people were feeling toward the existing political circle.

On top of suffering a crushing defeat in the by-elections, the GNP was dealt another serious blow when an aide of a GNP lawmaker was found to have staged cyber attacks on Park’s Web site as well as the site of the National Election Commission on election day.

Following the news of the attack, GNP Chairman Hong Joon-pyo stepped down and the party fell into confusion. Former GNP Chairwoman Park Geun-hye then stepped in to help revamp the party as the head of the party’s emergency committee.

Meanwhile, the DP, supporters of late President Roh Moo-hyun and the Federation of Korean Trade Unions established a unified opposition party dubbed the “United Democratic Party.”

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