[Report] Ha Jungwoo Focuses on Future Industries, Park Minsik Emphasizes Local Roots, Han Donghoon Stresses Conservative Renewal

Buk-gu Gap: The Hottest Electoral Battleground

On the Campaign Trail with Three Candidates—Handshakes, Photos, and Last-Minute Appeals

Futures Industries, Local Roots, and Conservative Renewal Take Center Stage

Which Direction Will Vo

"In this election, I don't see any campaign pledges—only the candidates themselves."

This was the remark made by a citizen crossing the street near Deokcheon Intersection in Buk-gu, Busan on May 29, the first day of early voting for the June 3 local elections. Election songs blared incessantly through the streets, while colorful banners filled the intersections crowded with vehicles. At every step, campaign staff wearing placards around their necks approached passersby, greeting them and chanting their candidate's names.

While the whole nation has turned its attention to Buk-gu Gap in Busan, the direction of public sentiment remains uncertain. Shin Kyungcheon, a 78-year-old taxi driver residing in Deokcheon-dong, commented, "I still haven't decided who to vote for," adding, "Whoever is elected must be someone who truly works for the community." The Asia Business Daily followed the campaign trail of all three candidates that day. Although poll figures varied, the sense of urgency to win even a single additional vote felt equally heavy for all of them.

A scene of election banners densely hung at Deokcheon Intersection in Buk-gu, Busan on the 29th of last month. Photo by Soo-yeon Woo

A Prepared Future for Buk-gu, Ha Jung-woo

"This election is a choice between whether Buk-gu will return to the past or move forward into the future." This is how candidate Ha defined the significance of the election when met in Mandeok-dong. After completing early voting in the morning with Jeon Jae-soo, the Democratic Party candidate for Busan mayor, he spent the afternoon canvassing around apartment shopping areas in Mandeok-dong. When he stopped by a clothing store, the shop owner enthusiastically waved and rushed outside, exclaiming, "I've been a fan for so long," as he shook Ha's hand and encouraged him, "You will win for sure. Don't worry and stay strong."

Running in his very first election, candidate Ha smiled wearily, admitting, "I've come to respect all elected officials." Yet he also expressed concern, saying, "There are too many outsiders now, and local residents are feeling uncomfortable," and added, "In the end, I trust that Buk-gu residents will make a wise decision."

On the 29th of last month, Ha Jung-woo, the Democratic Party candidate for Busan Buk-gu Gap district and National Assembly member, who had completed early voting together with Jeon Jae-su, the Democratic Party candidate for Busan mayor, is taking a selfie with citizens in Deokcheon-dong, Buk-gu, Busan. Photo by Soo-yeon Woo

On the 29th of last month, Ha Jung-woo, the Democratic Party candidate, is greeting citizens around the apartment shopping area in Mandeok-dong, Buk-gu, Busan. Photo by Soo-yeon Woo

Jeon, both a strong supporter and running mate for Ha, also commented, "Among the 18 Busan constituencies, there should be at least one ruling party lawmaker," adding, "If I become Busan mayor, a hardworking person like Ha Jung-woo is absolutely essential," as he threw his support behind Ha.

Do Hee-sun, a 43-year-old resident of Mandeok 2-dong, said, "Many Buk-gu residents move to better school districts when their children reach middle or high school, but if the 'AI-specialized high school' Ha is proposing becomes a reality, we won't need to relocate for educational reasons." She added, "Since Assemblyman Jeon Jae-soo had a high rate of keeping his promises, my trust in candidate Ha has also grown."

A True Buk-gu Native, Park Min-sik

After casting his early vote at 10 a.m. that day, candidate Park headed to Shinmanduk Jeil Shopping Market. He bowed and shook hands with each merchant, making direct eye contact. For those he already knew, he massaged their shoulders to express familiarity. Although the market was quieter compared to Gupo Market, Park personally traversed every alleyway, seeking out as many voters as possible until the very end.

A middle-aged woman, seeing Park's shaved head, remarked with concern, "Oh dear, what a situation." Park stressed, "In the remaining period, it's important to go through every alley and shake hands with each and every person."

On the 29th of last month, Park Minsik, the People Power Party candidate, who completed early voting in Mandeok-dong, Buk-gu, Busan, is being interviewed by reporters. Photo by Su-yeon Woo

On the 29th of last month, Park Min-sik, the candidate of the People Power Party, visited Shinmanduk Jeil Shopping Market in Mandeok-dong, Buk-gu, Busan, and greeted the market merchants. Photo by Su-ryeon Woo

Park described this election as one "to distinguish between genuine conservatives and true Buk-gu residents." While his smile was warm, his eyes turned sharp, reminiscent of his days as a prosecutor, when he talked about "authentic conservatism." He also pointed out the influx of outside supporters into the local election, warning, "It distorts and misleads the popular will of the sovereign residents of Buk-gu."

Park, a 74-year-old merchant at Jeil Shopping Market, said, "I'm deeply saddened by the current state of the country with Lee Jaemyung's dictatorship and excessive openness toward Chinese nationals," adding, "Park Min-sik did well before, and I believe he will continue to do well." She also voiced concern, "If Han is elected, it seems the conservative camp will face further division."

Buk-gu Comes First, Han Donghun

At 5 p.m. that day, candidate Han held a focused campaign rally at Pocheon Intersection. According to police estimates, about 1,000 people gathered at the scene. Supporters holding placards and chanting in unison created an atmosphere reminiscent of a fan meeting or festival for a celebrity. Among the crowd were national-level volunteers in white outfits, as well as many ordinary Buk-gu residents in casual clothes. Throughout Buk-gu, it was easy to spot volunteers who had traveled from all over the country to support Han.

Climbing onto the campaign vehicle, Han grabbed the microphone with a hoarse voice. His arms were covered with bandages from injuries sustained while clinging to the campaign vehicle's railing. He confessed, "In my 53 years, I've never worked this hard." His speech continued for over 40 minutes, during which he raised his fist and vigorously waved his arm, rousing the crowd. Supporters chanted "Han Donghun!" in unison.

Handonghun, an independent candidate, is holding a microphone and delivering a speech at a focused campaign rally at Pocheonsa Intersection in Buk-gu, Busan on the 29th of last month. Photo by Su-ryeon Woo

Handong Hoon, an independent candidate, is giving a speech standing on the railing of the campaign vehicle during an intensive campaign on the 29th of last month at Pocheon Intersection in Buk-gu, Busan. Photo by Su-yeon Woo

When his spouse, lawyer Jin Eun-jung, appeared on site dressed in a full-body bear-shaped balloon costume, the mood grew even more festive. Han, moved by his spouse's gesture, teared up as he expressed his gratitude. He defined the significance of this election as "a decisive moment to restore conservative values and to crush the deceptions of the Lee Jaemyung administration, which is attempting to dismiss indictments."

Kim Cha-soon, a 74-year-old resident of Gupo-dong, said, "He looks trustworthy and seems like someone who will do a good job," adding, "For ordinary people, every word he says feels sincere." She went on, "People in Busan don't lie, and we need someone who will get things done no matter what. Han seems to be just that kind of person."

A poster for the June 3rd National Assembly by-election posted on the wall of an apartment complex in Mandeok-dong, Buk-gu, Busan, on the 29th of last month. Photo by Woosuyeon

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