Former People Power Party (PPP) leader Han Dong-hoon attended a preseason baseball game at Sajik Stadium in Busan on March 14.
Han drew attention by wearing a Lotte Giants uniform bearing the name and number (11) of the late legendary pitcher Choi Dong-won.
In footage released publicly, Han was seen responding to photo requests from citizens one by one. He posed for photos with some fans with arms around shoulders and was also spotted carrying food he had ordered into the stadium. Han was seen enjoying the game while eating popcorn.
This marked Han's second visit to Busan within a week. He had previously visited Gupo Market in Busan on March 7 to meet with citizens and supporters.
Han has consistently emphasized his ties to Busan, highlighting his experience working at the Busan District Prosecutors' Office. During the 2024 general election, he visited Busan as PPP emergency committee chairman and referenced memories from 2008, stating he aimed to "achieve a Busan victory like Yeom Jong-seok."
The Lotte Giants have won two championships since their founding in 1982—in 1984 with Choi Dong-won and in 1992 led by Yeom Jong-seok.
Political observers are interpreting Han's consecutive Busan visits as a potential move toward running in a future by-election for a Busan National Assembly seat. During a visit to Daegu on February 27, Han hinted at a possible candidacy, saying "I will step forward, whatever the outcome."
In Busan, lawmakers' movements toward the next mayoral election are emerging as a key variable. Rep. Jeon Jae-su of the Democratic Party of Korea (Busan Buk-gap) and Rep. Joo Jin-woo of the PPP (Busan Haeundae-gap) have both declared their intentions to run for Busan mayor. If they are confirmed as candidates and resign their Assembly seats, by-elections for their districts would be held alongside the June 3 local elections.
Should by-elections materialize, potential ruling party candidates include former South Gyeongsang Province Governor Kim Du-kwan and Ha Jung-woo, presidential senior secretary for AI and future planning. Opposition candidates mentioned include former lawmakers Suh Byung-soo and Park Min-sik, as well as Jang Ye-chan, deputy director of the Yeouido Institute.
