Public Sentiment and Political Dynamics in Busan
Around 4:30 p.m. on the 7th, near Oncheoncheon Station in Geumjeong-gu, Busan, a local resident expressed their views on the ongoing political landscape. The individual, an 81-year-old from Geumjeong-gu, was observing Han Dong-hoon, the former leader of the People Power Party, along with his supporters. They mentioned that due to the party’s internal disarray, many residents are considering voting for Chun Jae-soo, a Democratic Party lawmaker from Busan Bukgab, as the mayor. The resident added that Busan voters tend to support candidates who demonstrate strong performance, regardless of whether they belong to ruling or opposition parties. Conservatives, they noted, do not easily give their votes.
Projections about the People Power Party’s challenges in the June 3 Busan mayoral election have been validated by the current situation. Within the party, there is a competition between the current mayor, Park Heong-joon, and Representative Joo Jin-woo for the nomination. Meanwhile, the Democratic Party is witnessing a contest between Representative Chun Jae-soo and Lee Jae-sung, the former head of the party’s Busan chapter.
During a 30-minute taxi ride from Miryang-dong to Busan Station, taxi driver Kwon Yong-hyuk (64), a resident of Saha-gu, Busan, voiced strong criticism towards the People Power Party. Kwon stated that he has always voted for conservative candidates in presidential elections, including the last one, and felt strongly enough to say he would “chop off his own hands.” He questioned the decision of Chun Jae-soo, who is under investigation for suspected receipt of money and goods from the Unification Church, to run for mayor. However, he also criticized the People Power Party’s stance on “Yoon Again,” suggesting that continued efforts could lead to significant consequences for Busan, Gyeongnam, and the entire nation.
In contrast, another individual, S (58), who met in Geumjeong-gu, Busan, noted that there are many Democratic Party supporters among Busan residents in their 40s and 50s. They emphasized that the People Power Party needs to wake up but instead seems to be engaged in internal conflicts. S suggested that the party should unite under Jang Dong-hyeok, the People Power Party leader, and criticized Han Dong-hoon for allegedly betraying Yoon Suk-yeol, who had given him an opportunity.
If Chun Jae-soo is finalized as the Democratic Party’s Busan mayoral candidate, a by-election will also take place in Busan Bukgab, his former constituency. While the Democratic Party has yet to announce a candidate, the People Power Party has former Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Park Min-sik campaigning in the area. There is also speculation about Han Dong-hoon’s potential independent run.
Opinions among merchants at Gupo Market in Busan’s Buk-gu were divided regarding the potential candidates. Some believed that Park Min-sik would have the advantage, while others thought that if Han Dong-hoon ran, he would win. Many expressed that they need to wait and see who the Democratic Party fields.
Meanwhile, Han Dong-hoon visited Gupo Market and Oncheoncheon that day, declaring that the party would break away from the “Yoon Again” line and rebuild conservatism. He referenced his victory in the October 2024 Geumjeong-gu district chief by-election, where he blocked former first lady Kim Keon-hee’s political interference. He claimed that the answer has already been given by Busan citizens, emphasizing the need for a major reversal in Busan. Earlier, on the 27th of last month in Daegu, Han hinted at a by-election run, stating, “I’ll step up whether it becomes porridge or rice.” His team stated that no by-election seat has been confirmed yet, adding that he would run wherever a seat opens, whether in Daegu or Busan.
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