Kim Minseok Courts Busan for 3 Days, 2 Nights... "Push to Start World Youth Day in Busan"

Attending Ceremony Commemorating the Buma Democratic Uprising
Also Plans to Visit a Hub Port for the Arctic Shipping Route

Kim Min-seok, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, said on the 16th, "I think we've already held the Busan Supreme Council meeting more often than anywhere else, and we'll probably continue to do so," signaling an all-out effort to win over public opinion in Busan. Kim plans to stay in Busan for three days and two nights, through the 18th.

At a Supreme Council meeting held that day at the Democratic Party of Korea's Busan office in Dong-gu, Busan, Kim said, "Next year, there will be the 2027 Seoul World Youth Day, a global-scale Catholic event. We came up with the idea of starting in Busan and Mokpo and then moving north, and suggested that as an option." He added, "There is also a possibility that the youth cultural festival organized by the party will be held first in Busan, in connection with the maritime festival."

He added, "The Democratic Party has always felt that Busan is, in a real sense, 'our home turf' and 'our region.'" He said, "I'll come often so that my presence feels familiar. Holding Supreme Council meetings in Busan will become a familiar sight for Busan residents."

Kim Minseok, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, talks with Park Hongbae, head of the party's Busan chapter, at a supreme council meeting held at the party's Busan chapter office in Dong-gu, Busan, on the 16th. Yonhap News

That afternoon, he will attend the ceremony commemorating the 10·16 Buma Democratic Uprising at Busan City Hall. He will also tour Busan's port logistics facilities aboard a port tour vessel operated by the Busan Port Authority and discuss ways to develop the port into a hub for the Arctic shipping route.

On the 17th, he plans to visit Jagalchi Market to hear from local residents, then inspect the proposed site for the North Port Dome Arena. Expressing his determination to help advance the North Port Dome Arena project, Kim surprised attendees by proposing the closing chant, "North Port, dome dome dome; Busan, help help help."

On the 18th, he will meet with Democratic Party-affiliated heads of basic local governments in Busan and local party committee chairs to discuss key issues. Appearing by phone that morning on the Democratic Party's YouTube program "Minti 07," Kim said, "Someone who ran for city council and lost happens to have a wedding coming up. A large number of young people are expected to gather there." He added, "I'm also planning to go to congratulate them on their wedding and meet and talk with the young people."

Kim's focus on winning over public opinion in Busan is seen as a move aimed at the next general election. The Democratic Party has no lawmakers representing constituencies in Busan, making the city one of its relative weak spots. At the Supreme Council meeting, Kim said, "The political landscape in Busan, where Mayor Jeon Jae-soo is currently working, is 18 to 0." He added, "I hope the Democratic Party as a whole, the leadership including me, and the residents can work together to support Mayor Jeon and lead Busan's development."

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