Han Dong-hoon, an independent candidate running in Busan's Buk-A constituency, claimed Tuesday that President Lee Jae-myung interfered in the election during his visit to Busan. Lee visited Busan's Yeongdo District to mark Maritime Day, but Han alleged the trip was intended to support Ha Jung-woo, the Democratic Party candidate in the same Buk-A constituency.
"President Lee came to Busan," Han said at a rally near Gupo Station that afternoon. "He came and is engaging in blatant election interference."
"He sent out Ha Jung-woo, a completely unprepared candidate, as an avatar," Han said. "The president has framed this race as a contest between President Lee and Han Dong-hoon."
Han stressed that his victory is essential to rebuilding the conservative bloc. "If we win, the conservative camp will be rebuilt and the Lee Jae-myung administration will be shattered," he said. "If we lose, the Lee Jae-myung government will run rampant, withdraw prosecutions, and attempt to extend its term."
Appealing to conservative voters, Han urged them to vote for him instead of Park Min-shik, the People Power Party candidate. "I will stop the Lee Jae-myung administration. I am the only candidate who can stop it," he said. "Please rally public sentiment behind Han Dong-hoon, with the spirit of representing the Republic of Korea." He added, "It was candidate Park Min-shik who completely closed the door on unification. You must do it. Please unify the candidacy behind Han Dong-hoon through public sentiment."
Han also encouraged participation in early voting. "Even former President Yoon Suk-yeol, who endorses election fraud conspiracy theories, voted early in every election," he said. "Someone who votes for one day can never beat someone who votes for three days. Whether it's early voting or main voting, please be sure to vote."
