[Report] "The President's Man" vs. "Local Worker": Chuncheon Public Opinion Clearly Divided

Gangwon's Top Political Battleground: Support Evenly Split
Woo Sangho Leverages Ruling Party Advantage
Kim Jintae Highlights Credentials as a "Local Worker"

On the rainy day of May 20, after walking about three minutes from Namchuncheon Station in Gangwon Province, a banner reading "Gangwon Person of Loyalty and Determination, Kim Jintae" was seen hanging on a building. Just about 150 meters to the right, there was another building with a banner that read "Woo Sangho, Sent by the President." These phrases perfectly capture the race for the 9th Nationwide Local Elections for Gangwon Province Governor. Woo Sangho, the Democratic Party candidate, is leveraging the advantage of being part of the ruling party and his network within the central government, while Kim Jintae, the People Power Party candidate who is seeking re-election, is emphasizing his role as a "local worker."

On the 20th, citizens were shopping at Chuncheon Jungang Market in Gangwon.

Chuncheon, known as the political center of Gangwon Province, is home to the Gangwon Special Self-Governing Provincial Office, local courts overseeing Gangwon, and the provincial headquarters of both the Democratic Party and the People Power Party, making it a hub of administration, judiciary, and politics. Accordingly, the aspiration for "Gangwon’s development" is especially strong here. Among Chuncheon residents, support was clearly divided between Woo and Kim.

Ruling Party with Power VS Checks on Authority

Kim Sungwoo (48), who was heading to E-Mart next to Chuncheon Intercity Bus Terminal for grocery shopping, said, "It’s better to have someone with real power elected right now," expressing his intention to vote for Woo. He explained, "If someone is sent by the President, I think it will help more with budgets and administrative matters than the People Power Party." Office worker Lee Seoyoon (31) also said, "If the Democratic Party candidate is elected, the city will cooperate better with the government, which will benefit the development of Chuncheon and Gangwon."

On the other hand, taxi driver Jang Myeongju (69) said, "Even a president should pay for their crimes if they commit them. I don’t understand why there are discussions about dropping charges," adding, "It seems like there’s an imbalance between the ruling and opposition parties, so I plan to vote for Kim to correct that." Kim, a 78-year-old resident of Hyeoldong 2-ri, commented, "The Lee Jaemyung administration keeps handing out small compensation for high oil prices, but it feels like passing on debt to the next generation, so I will support the People Power Party."

On the 20th, a banner was hung at the building of Woo Sangho, the Democratic Party candidate for Governor of Gangwon Province, located in Onuidong, Chuncheon, Gangwon Province.

Anticipation for New Faces VS Trust in Local Workers VS Still Undecided Voters

Among Chuncheon citizens, there was a sense of anticipation for new leadership. Yoo, a 52-year-old merchant at Chuncheon Jungang Market, said, "Looking back over the past four years, I’m not sure if Chuncheon or Gangwon has really developed. Since Woo has been involved in national politics for a long time, I think he will do a good job." Lee Soyoun (61), a self-employed business owner in Myeongdong, Chuncheon, said, "I have only seen Woo on TV, but he seems friendly and has a good image. People around me say that if we try a new person, things might improve compared to now."

Chuncheon is where Kim was born, raised, and elected twice as a National Assembly member. Accordingly, there are residents who trust Kim. Kwon Hyukchae (79), a real estate agent near Namchuncheon Station, said, "I’ve watched Kim for a long time, and he works well. I believe that if he continues the work he’s been doing, it will help Gangwon's development, so I will trust him with my vote again." Kim Yongsu (65), originally from Hongcheon, Gangwon but a Chuncheon resident for over 40 years, remarked, "Woo probably doesn’t know Gangwon very well, but Kim knows Gangwon inside and out."

On the 20th, a banner was hung at Kim Jintae, the People Power Party candidate for governor of Gangwon Province's campaign building located in Onui-dong, Chuncheon, Gangwon Province.

There are also citizens who remain undecided between Woo and Kim. Yoo Byunggil (64), who runs a lottery shop, said, "I don’t look at the party; I vote for the person. I am looking at this governor election carefully, and I will check out the campaign materials and promises thoroughly before heading to the polls."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.