[Report] Jongno Merchants "25,000 Won a Day, Is That Reasonable... It Should Become an 'Economic Big Match'"

Self-Employed and Small Business Owners "Economy First"
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Lee's Shinbundang Line Pledge Divides Opinion

[Asia Economy Reporters Jeon Jinyoung and Heo Midam] "A daily sales of 25,000 won? That’s ridiculous! We only hope for someone who can revive the economy."

The local sentiment is that the 'Jongno Big Match' ultimately boils down to economic issues. Former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon proposed pledges such as extending the Shinbundang Line and urban regeneration projects to attract young people. On the other hand, Hwang Kyo-ahn, leader of the Liberty Korea Party, highlighted the Moon Jae-in administration’s 'economic mismanagement theory' while visiting vacant commercial spaces in Jongno.

However, the local sentiment watching these two heavyweight candidates was cold. Chu Bok-soon (74), who runs a restaurant in the alleys of Changsin-dong, sighed, saying, "How can anyone run a business in such hardship?" and added, "Since business is bad, it’s hard to pay rent. With labor costs rising, there’s nothing left."

Some expressed the opinion of 'Still Lee Nak-yeon.' Kim Yeon-rye (83), who operates a street stall in Gwancheol-dong’s 'Youth Street,' said, "Hwang Kyo-ahn keeps cutting his hair and wandering outside, but now he just says he will judge the Moon Jae-in government without any plans," and added, "Do you think the economy, which has been stagnant for years, will improve overnight?"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Yang Mi-seon (38), who runs a cafe in Anguk-dong, also said, "Leader Hwang is an elite who represents vested interests. If we elect him, I’m afraid we’ll go back to the old days when only the wealthy prospered." She continued, "I like that former Prime Minister Lee proposed the Shinbundang Line pledge. Since the only transportation to downtown is the village bus, mothers raising babies desperately want the Shinbundang Line. It felt like he understood those hardships."

Supporters of Leader Hwang criticized the Shinbundang Line installation pledge as unrelated to economic recovery. Cheon Eun-sil (70), who runs a street stall in front of Jonggak Station, said, "I’ve already decided to vote for Hwang Kyo-ahn," and added, "What has the Moon Jae-in government and that party done well? Business here isn’t doing well, so what’s the use of building the Shinbundang Line?"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Lee Moon-gap, a taxi driver in his 60s, said, "The Shinbundang Line pledge has been around for 7 to 8 years. I used to live in Jamwon-dong and was planning to move to Jongno, but it seems like a recycled pledge, so it doesn’t resonate with me." He added, "I’d rather vote for Hwang Kyo-ahn, who may lack political experience but is less tainted."

Youth in Jongno showed strong distrust toward job policies. Many voices called for solutions to housing problems. A (26), a student at Sungkyunkwan University, said, "Jongno’s monthly rent and deposit are more expensive than other areas, making it difficult for young people to live here."

Song Mo (26) also said, "There are more complaints about housing than employment difficulties," and added, "Men in their 20s have a strong resentment toward the current government." It is known that Leader Hwang is considering moving to Hyehwa-dong or Changsin-dong to target the 'Eastern Belt,' where there are many young voters with progressive tendencies.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.