From Prison Cell to Campaign Trail: South Korean Opposition Leader Song Young-gil Runs for Office

Song Young-gil, the leader of the Sonamoo Party (meaning "Pine Tree Party" in English), a new minor opposition party in South Korea, is running for the National Assembly from the Seoul Detention Center. He delivered a moving speech from prison, where he is detained on charges that many see as politically motivated.

Song decided to run in Gwangju Seo-gu Gap, a constituency in the city of Gwangju and the last place his father lived. He explained, "I gave up my constituency in Incheon Gyeyang to support the Democratic Party and Lee Jae-myung, and came to Gwangju, which is like a mother's embrace to me." This decision demonstrates his unwavering commitment to defending democracy, even at great personal sacrifice.

Song's involvement in the democratic movement dates back to his high school days. As a senior at Daedong High School during the Gwangju Uprising in May 1980, Song actively participated in protests against the martial law forces. The tragic event, also known as the May 18 Democratic Uprising, left a deep impact on Song and shaped his political beliefs.

Over the past year, Song has been a vocal critic of the Yoon Seok-yeol administration, labeling it a "prosecutorial dictatorship." Despite facing political oppression and detention, he remains steadfast in his resolve to "fight against the prosecutorial dictatorship, just like President Kim Dae-jung did."

Song's wife, Nam Young-sin, and their two children, Hyun-ju and Ju-hwan, are campaigning on the streets, carrying pickets with his photo. Song expressed his heartfelt emotions, saying, "Tears come to my eyes when I see my family campaigning outside."

Song appealed to voters, stating, "Only through Song Young-gil's victory can citizens escape the prosecutors' reign of terror," and "My election from prison will be the spark for impeaching Yoon Seok-yeol and changing the regime." He also pledged to "open up the future of Gwangju and Jeollanam-do using the experience from my time as the Mayor of Incheon."

Song's case serves as a symbolic example of the challenges faced by democracy in South Korea. The unusual situation of an opposition leader's detention and his run for office from prison has raised concerns. The choice made by voters in Gwangju Seo-gu Gap is expected to send an important message about the future of Korean politics, beyond the fate of Song Young-gil himself.