Han Dong-hoon, an independent candidate running in the parliamentary by-election for Busan's Buk-gu A district, took to the streets Saturday for his final weekend of campaigning, declaring that he would "stand together with commonsense People Power Party politicians who want to develop Buk-gu and rebuild conservatism."
Speaking in front of Exit 2 of Sukdeung Station in Busan, Han said, "The Democratic Party and the Jang Dong-hyuk faction are pressuring me, but I am not alone. I will not exclude anyone."
Han particularly emphasized, "Since former President Kim Young-sam in 1992, there has been no politician capable of properly embracing the righteousness and burning passion of Busan citizens." He added, "I will win on June 3 as a typhoon of public sentiment."
"I will inherit former President Kim Young-sam's spirit and audacity," Han continued. "I will reawaken Busan's politics and open a new future for the Republic of Korea."
Han also took aim at President Lee Jae-myung. "Yesterday, the president wrote on social media that 'those who are politically indifferent will end up being ruled by the worst and lowest.' The problem is that President Lee Jae-myung said this," Han said. "The worst low-quality politics in Korea right now is President Lee Jae-myung's withdrawal of prosecution."
He continued, "Let's end that low-quality politics right here in Buk-gu," adding, "There is no one in Korea who can do that better than I can."
Han urged Democratic Party candidate Ha Jung-woo and People Power Party candidate Park Min-sik to "stop the smear campaign." "I hear they are spreading rumors that I will join the Democratic Party if I am elected," he said, raising his voice. "I am going there to crush the Democratic Party's reckless behavior."
He also struck back, saying, "Such matadors don't work and are ridiculous. Instead of spending time on such matadors, go meet Busan citizens one more time."
A large crowd of supporters gathered around Sukdeung Station to witness Han's final weekend rally, filling the sidewalks in front of both Exits 1 and 2. Conducted under police safety control, the rally drew chants of "Han Dong-hoon" from supporters whenever the candidate's voice rose. Residents holding picket signs from apartment windows near Sukdeung Station were also seen cheering Han on.
Meanwhile, just before Han's arrival, candidate Ha's campaign vehicle passed by the area. As Ha continued his speech without stopping atop the vehicle, some of Han's supporters were seen booing.
