Independent candidate Han Dong-hoon and Democratic Party candidate Ha Jung-woo, both running in the June 3 National Assembly by-election, held intensive campaign rallies at Gupo Market in Busan's Buk-gu district one hour apart on Wednesday after wrapping up a televised debate. The two candidates made last-minute appeals for votes at the bustling market on the eve of early voting.
Han was the first to begin campaigning. Arriving at Ssamzie Park next to Gupo Market, Han raised his hands to the music, energizing the crowd.
Climbing onto the campaign truck, Han said, "The People Power Party leadership is doing all sorts of things because they fear I will rebuild the conservative camp and stop them from pursuing their personal interests." He added, "But I am not alone. Together with the citizens, I will rebuild the conservative camp and reclaim Buk-gu's lost 20 years."
Han then urged voters to participate in early voting. "This election will decide the future of the Republic of Korea and the conservatives," he said. "I ask you to wear the national flag mark and head to the polling station as Korea's representative voters."
He also said, "A vote for People Power Party candidate Park Min-sik is not just a wasted vote, but a vote for Democratic Party candidate Ha Jung-woo. It is a vote that condones and supports the runaway Lee Jae-myung administration."
Targeting Ha, Han said, "He is someone who does as President Lee Jae-myung and candidate Jeon Jae-soo tell him. How can such a person develop Buk-gu?"
Just over 300 meters from Han's rally, near Exit 2 of Deokcheon Station, Ha held a joint campaign rally with Jeon Jae-soo, the Democratic Party's candidate for Busan mayor.
Arriving first, Ha climbed onto the campaign truck and bowed deeply to his supporters. Taking aim at Han, Ha said, "Buk-gu develops only when people come and money gathers. But there is no substance on how to bring people and money — only talk of fighting the administration."
He continued, "While other candidates are stuck in the past, I served at the Blue House as the AI senior secretary most cherished by President Lee Jae-myung, building the nation's future growth strategy. I am different."
Ha raised his voice, saying, "I will pour all the knowledge and experience I gained at Naver and the Blue House into developing Buk-gu. I will make Busan the AI capital so that all Koreans envy Buk-gu."
Jeon, who arrived shortly after, said, "This election decides whether Busan continues the stagnation it has endured for the past 30 years, or whether we elect a powerful ruling party mayor to break through that stagnation. Among Busan's 18 National Assembly members, shouldn't there be at least one ruling party lawmaker who is powerful and gets the job done?"
He added, "Let us join the hand of Jeon Jae-soo, who designed the maritime capital, the hand of Ha Jung-woo, who designed Korea as one of the world's top three AI powers, and the passionate hands of those gathered here to build a Busan where young people don't leave and where those who have failed are given another chance."
With rallies held just 300 meters apart within a short interval, minor disputes broke out among supporters of both sides on their way home. When a Han supporter held up a placard with ballot number 6 across from the Gupo Market entrance and appealed for Han's support, a Ha supporter shouted, "Insurrection lackeys, leave Busan." As the crosswalk light turned green and supporters crossed the street, sharp exchanges erupted, with some supporters stepping in to defuse the situation.
Meanwhile, Han plans to cast his early vote at 6 a.m. on the first day of early voting at the Mandeok 2-dong administrative welfare center in Buk-gu, Busan, accompanied by his wife, attorney Jin Eun-jung. Ha is also scheduled to participate in early voting at the same Mandeok 2-dong administrative welfare center at 11 a.m. that day.
