On May 29, 2026, Korean media SBS reported that former President Park Geun-hye has intensified her campaign speeches for opposition party candidates ahead of the unified local elections, causing a stir in South Korean political circles.

According to the article, following her visits to Busan, Ulsan, and South Gyeongsang Province on the 27th, Park visited Gangwon Province and North Gyeongsang Province on the 28th. She delivered support speeches for candidates of the main opposition party, 'People Power Party.' The participation of a former president, who was impeached and removed from office, in election campaign support is drawing increasing criticism from within and outside political circles.

The 'People Power Party' reportedly has high expectations that Park's appearance will lead to the consolidation of its support base. Representative Jang Dong-hyuk, during a rally in South Chungcheong Province, stated, "Do they think the election situation has been turned upside down because former President Park Geun-hye has started campaigning nationwide? The 'Democratic Party of Korea' is attacking former President Park." He also said that Park's cooperation "makes his heart warm."

Furthermore, the party's Secretary-General, Jung Hee-yong, reportedly said that "thanks to former President Park's support, the support base has rallied, and there are extremely close contests in various regions."

On the other hand, the ruling 'Democratic Party of Korea' strongly opposes this, and the party's Chairman of the General Standing Election Committee, Jung Chung-rae, criticized it by saying, "No matter that it happened several years ago, I hope the public will deliver a severe judgment against this shameless and unreflective attempt to turn back history and reverse the flow of the river."

Furthermore, within the 'Democratic Party of Korea,' there is also a view that the former president's prominent involvement might actually gather support from voters who approved of her impeachment, with Secretary-General Jo Seong-rae reportedly saying, "Perhaps the sensible citizens who agreed to the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye and former President Yoon Suk-yeol will rally together."

The article stated that the situation of Park, who was removed from office by impeachment for the first time in South Korea's constitutional history, campaigning nationwide, "is also seen as a sign that the 'People Power Party' lacks leading figures for its election campaign."

Park was convicted on charges including bribery, with a 22-year prison sentence, a fine of 18 billion won (approx. 1.9 billion yen), and a forfeiture of 3.5 billion won (approx. 370 million yen) confirmed by the Supreme Court. After serving 4 years and 9 months, she was released in December 2021 through a special pardon from former President Moon Jae-in.

Regarding this, South Korean netizens commented with remarks such as: "In what capacity is someone who was impeached campaigning?" "This is what happens when you grant a special pardon." "She herself should read the room and not come out." "'My heart feels warm' thanks to someone who was impeached? Nonsense." "I can't understand people who are happy about this." and so on.

Other comments included: "Isn't this the worst example for anyone running in an election?" "How desperate for appeal must they be to bring this person?" "In the world of politics, is it irrelevant even if someone is a criminal, as long as they have name recognition? It's astonishing." "Even supporters of the 'People Power Party' must be surprised by this." "Even so, seeing cheers and crowds gather makes me sick." (Translation/Editing: Higuchi)