Support from popular figures key in Seoul race

Securing big-name backers is becoming increasingly important in the battle between the two main candidates for the Seoul mayoral by-election.

While Rep. Park Geun-hye of the ruling Grand National Party is yet to confirm her support for Na Kyung-won, entrepreneur-turned-professor Ahn Chul-soo is backing civic activist Park Won-soon.

Ahn appeared earlier as the most powerful mayoral candidate but renounced his candidacy, giving way to long-time colleague Park.

After Ahn’s resignation, a majority of his supporters moved on to Park, making him the frontrunner in the polls.

Though Ahn has said he will not run, many still favor him as a potential to challenger to Rep. Park in next year’s presidential election.

Should the two help out the respective mayoral candidates, the upcoming by-election may become a prelude to next year’s race.

However, Rep. Park, former chairwoman of the GNP, has so far refrained from confirming her stance, despite the party’s repeated request for help.

“Even if she pledges to help Na in order to boost the party in the tight race, she is expected to remain low-key and act subtly,” said an aide to the former chairwoman.

Some pro-Park GNP members also expressed concerns that she will not be willing to take risks in the by-election by engaging the liberal camp, especially Ahn’s supporters.

While the liberal bloc and the ruling party eyed the moves of the two influential figures, the main opposition Democratic Party regrouped after its defeat in Monday’s vote on a unified liberal candidate.

DP chairman Rep. Sohn Hak-kyu, who announced his resignation on Tuesday to take responsibility of the party’s failure to enter candidacy, withdrew his previous decision and decided to keep his chairmanship.

In an emergency party meeting earlier in the morning, all members present voted against Sohn’s resignation, according to the party spokesperson.

“Though Rep. Sohn took extreme measures to renew the party amid its current crisis, his sudden resignation may worsen the situation,” said Rep. Kim Chung-kwon, the party’s secretary-general.

The priority issue for the DP is now whether candidate Park will join the party.

“As the official candidate registration is to end Friday, I plan to confirm my stance today and announce it tomorrow,” Park said Wednesday.

By Bae Hyun-jung (tellme@heraldcorp.com)