Wearing Masks During Election Campaign... Hwang Kyo-ahn: "I Will Restore the Glory of Nakwon-dong Alley"

Hwang Kyo-ahn, leader of the United Future Party, is greeting the operator while visiting a barbershop near Tapgol Park in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 21st. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Hwang Kyo-ahn, leader of the United Future Party, appealed to the votes of merchants while walking around the Nakwon-dong area in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 21st.

Starting from around 10:05 a.m., Hwang visited restaurants, barbershops, and other places beginning with the barber alley in Nakwon-dong, meeting with citizens.

Wearing the party color happy pink jumper of the United Future Party, Hwang greeted citizens one by one, saying, "Thank you for your hard work," and "Stay healthy."

Later, when Hwang visited fruit and vegetable stores and asked, "Do you have customers these days?" regarding the overall economy, the merchants gave negative answers. In particular, when a fruit store merchant said, "The local economy is very bad," Hwang responded, "I will do my best to improve the local economy."

Conscious of the impact of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), Hwang wore a mask throughout his walk and spoke with citizens. Especially when a citizen extended a hand for a handshake, Hwang said, "I was told not to shake hands, so I will just convey my feelings," bowing in greeting.

Afterwards, Hwang entered a barbershop and greeted the barber and customers individually. He told the barber, "I hope the Nakwon-dong barber alley continues to prosper as its reputation suggests."

On the morning of the 21st, Hwang Kyo-ahn, leader of the United Future Party, who announced his candidacy in Jongno, the "number one political district," for the April 15 general election, visited the Nakwon-dong area in Jongno-gu, Seoul, greeting local residents. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

After leaving the barbershop, he met with reporters and said, "I came to check the site after hearing that Nakwon Arcade, famous for barbershops and musical instrument stores, is facing many difficulties. I heard from a few people who said, 'Nakwon Arcade is not the Nakwon Arcade of the past,' expressing concern that it is collapsing," adding, "I will continue efforts to find solutions on how to revive Nakwon Arcade and the Jongno economy, as well as how to revive the South Korean economy."

Regarding the emergence of COVID-19 confirmed cases in Jongno-gu, Hwang said, "I will do my best to reduce concerns about COVID-19. I will cooperate with the government as much as possible."

On the issue of the supplementary budget (추경) mentioned by former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon, he said, "I think a supplementary budget that is appropriate, equitable, and for necessary areas is needed," adding, "The supplementary budget should be used to help revive the economy and people's livelihoods."

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