Nam Kyung-phil Makes Quiet 'Start'...Apologizes for Disparaging Remarks

On June 21, the first official campaign day for the June 4 local elections, Saenuri Party candidate Nam Kyung-phil, running for Gyeonggi Province governor, started his race by greeting commuters alone at Suwon Station.

This contrasted sharply with Democratic Party for New Politics candidate Kim Jin-pyo, who had party co-leaders including Kim Han-gil and Ahn Cheol-soo mobilizing in support.

Around 7:30 a.m. that day at Suwon Station, wearing a white jacket emblazoned with the Saenuri Party logo, Candidate Nam met with residents on their way to work and said, "I will not conduct loud campaigns but will work diligently on the ground," bowing his head.

Though some residents turned away as he distributed business cards, their looks cold and indifferent, he did not lose his smile.

There were some in their 50s and 60s who took photos with him or offered encouragement saying "Fighting," but there were also those in their 20s and 30s who poured out criticism, saying "the Saenuri Party must reflect on itself."

A man who appeared to be in his 30s criticized Candidate Nam, saying, "It was the Saenuri Party that promised half-price tuition during the Lee Myung-bak administration," and "we should not see the party change its words," leaving Candidate Nam flustered.

Candidate Nam said, "This election should become an opportunity to change South Korea anew" and "I will approach the people of Gyeonggi with an innovative image."

Regarding the disparaging campaign the previous day with Kim's camp over Gyeonggi Province's economic indicators, Candidate Nam's camp spokespersons acknowledged it, and he said, "I regret that a statement (criticizing Kim as a bureaucrat and a desk administrator) was issued."

Candidate Nam had previously proposed a so-called "three no's campaign" (3mu movement)—no logo song, no dance moves, and no negative campaigning.

He said, "There can be policy criticism, but we must use dignified language" and "I have instructed the spokespersons not to use language of criticism. In the spirit of restraint, there will be no statement from spokespersons today."

From 1 p.m., he will tour Youngdong Market in Suwon, and from 2 p.m. will consecutively sign policy agreements with fellow party candidates including Kim Yong-seo running for Suwon mayor, Jeong Chan-min for Yongin mayor, and Lee Jae-jin for Bucheon mayor.

From 6:30 p.m., he is scheduled to greet commuters at Bucheon Station.

Earlier that morning around 6:30 a.m., Candidate Nam visited the government-led memorial altar for the Sewol disaster in Ansan to offer flowers and pay respects.

In the visitor's log, he wrote, "I am the guilty one. I will reflect starting with myself." Candidate Nam wrote, "I will do my best so that such tragic incidents never happen again in South Korea and Gyeonggi Province" and said, "I offer words of comfort to the deceased, the missing, and the bereaved families."