Jeon Jae-su, confirmed as the Democratic Party of Korea's candidate for Busan mayor, launched his general election campaign on January 13, declaring, "I will complete the dream of Busan as a maritime capital."
At a press conference held at the National Assembly Communication Hall, Jeon diagnosed Busan's regional decline crisis and presented his vision for a "Maritime Capital Busan" as the solution. "Busan is taking a direct hit from the structural problems of overcrowding in the Seoul metropolitan area and the disappearance of regional areas," he said. "Busan's crisis is a crisis for all of Korea."
"Korea needs another wing to support the nation alongside the Seoul metropolitan area," Jeon continued. "I will expand Busan, Ulsan, and South Gyeongsang Province into a single maritime capital region centered on Maritime Capital Busan, and establish a Northern Sea Route economic zone connecting Pohang, Yeosu, and Gwangyang." His plan aims to elevate the maritime capital strategy to a national survival strategy.
Jeon made clear that "completing Maritime Capital Busan" is his reason for running. "The relocation of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to Busan was the starting point," he said. "Based on my experience leading the relocation within five months as the inaugural minister, I will complete what needs to be done."
Regarding the nature of this election, Jeon defined it as "not a contest between progressives and conservatives or ruling and opposition parties, but an election that distinguishes 'competence from incompetence' and 'doers from talkers.'" He added, "The only criterion for voters should be who is the mayor Busan citizens need."
In particular, Jeon emphasized policy coordination with the ruling party, stating, "Together with a capable President Lee Jae-myung, I will help Busan leap forward as a powerful, capable mayor."
Regarding the general election contest against Park Heong-jun, the incumbent mayor confirmed as the People Power Party candidate, Jeon said, "We will compete fairly before the citizens on who is better prepared and can do the job."
"I will make this election an opportunity to unleash Busan's energy," Jeon said. "I will be a mayor solely for Busan and its citizens."
