Han Donghoon Clinches Busan Buk-gap With Come-from-behind Win Over Ha Jungwoo, Sets Sights on Conservative Reconstruction

In the by-election for the Buk-gu Gap district in Busan, which has emerged as a hot spot in the latest parliamentary by-elections, independent candidate Han Donghoon achieved a narrow victory. Focus is now on Han's next steps after campaigning under the banner of "conservative reconstruction."

According to the National Election Commission as of 4:00 a.m. on June 4, with 99.73% of votes counted, Han secured a de facto victory with 42.98% of the votes, defeating Ha Jungwoo of the Democratic Party of Korea (41.24%) and Park Minsik of the People Power Party (15.76%). In a three-way race, Han managed a narrow win over the two major parties.

Yonhap News Agency

Exit polls had initially predicted that Han would trail Ha within the margin of error, and Han was behind in the early stages of the vote count. However, he gradually closed the gap. Notably, around 2:00 a.m., Han overtook Ha and secured a hard-fought victory by a margin of about 1,400 votes.

As his victory became certain, Han stated, "I am grateful to the great citizens of Buk-gu, Busan, who have enabled this historic victory and supported the reconstruction of conservatism. I will fulfill the mandate entrusted to me, always putting the citizens of Busan and the people of the Republic of Korea first."

Ha acknowledged his defeat, saying, "I humbly accept the results of the election. I am grateful to everyone who supported me with such passion and dedication. I extend my congratulations to Han on his victory."

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