Park Min-sik, the People Power Party candidate in the parliamentary by-election for Busan's Buk-A district, has launched his campaign by foregrounding themes of "return to the region" and "responsible politics."
Park held a campaign announcement press conference at the Busan Metropolitan Council on Wednesday, saying, "While I was away from Buk-gu, the area declined, and I failed to do what I should have done." He added, "I will surely atone for that sin." By directly acknowledging his past runs in the greater Seoul area, he emphasized a leadership of "atonement."
"Watching once-bustling streets grow quiet, empty storefronts increase, and young people leave, I felt a heavy sense of responsibility," he said. "As a three-term heavyweight lawmaker, I will rebuild Buk-gu and restore its pride." He added, "The forgiveness and hospitality of residents, who say hometown is something that cannot be changed, is a lifelong debt."
Regarding his political career, he said, "I am a proven candidate with two wins and two losses in parliamentary elections, as well as experience serving as Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs." He stressed, "If elected, as a three-term heavyweight, I will draw up a blueprint to elevate Buk-gu from being on Busan's periphery to becoming its center."
On the race's structure, Park drew a line against the possibility of candidate unification. The Buk-A race is currently taking shape as a three-way contest between Park, Democratic Party candidate Ha Jung-woo, and independent candidate Han Dong-hoon. "Victories manufactured through political engineering eventually collapse," he said forcefully. "In any situation, including a three-way race, I will win on the strength of Buk-gu."
His major pledges include placing the Gyeongbu Line railway underground and creating a park on top, attracting aviation and logistics industries as hinterland for Gadeok New Airport, easing congestion on the Mandeok-Centum deep underground transit network, installing pedestrian escalators in sloped areas, and revitalizing Deokcheon-dong's "Street of Youth."
Local political circles view Park as confronting the "regional departure" controversy head-on while mounting a campaign that leverages his organizational base and name recognition. Whether his messaging of "responsibility" and "experience" will resonate with voters is seen as a key variable in this election.
