[Going to the Battleground] "Gwanak is Democratic Party" vs "Punish the Democratic Party"

'Moon's Man' Jeong Tae-ho vs '3rd Term Challenge' Oh Shin-hwan
Gwanak-eul, a Traditional Progressive Stronghold
Oh Shin-hwan Wins in Recent Two Contests
Favorable Conditions for Jeong Tae-ho in Bipartisan Showdown

On the afternoon of the 31st, Jeong Tae-ho, the Democratic Party candidate running for Gwanak-eul in the April 15 general election, is meeting and conversing with residents in front of the market in Samseong-dong, Gwanak-gu, Seoul.

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] "The Democratic Party of Korea made such a fuss to pass the election law, so how can a proportional satellite party be justified? The Justice Party was okay, but now it's completely a parasite. They are clinging tightly to the Democratic Party, and that shouldn't happen."

On the afternoon of the 31st in Daehak-dong, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, Mr. Lee (63) said, "I really don't like Hwang Kyo-ahn, the leader of the United Future Party, but this time I dislike the Democratic Party, so I plan to vote for candidate Oh (Oh Shin-hwan)," clicking his tongue. He has supported progressive parties until now, but for this general election, he believes the Democratic Party and the Justice Party must be judged.

Support for the Democratic Party remained strong. Housewife Ms. Baek (59) said, "Everyone around me supports candidate Jeong," emphasizing, "For regional development, the Democratic Party must win." Office worker Mr. Park (30) said, "The Democratic Party has an advantage in Gwanak-gu," and predicted, "The image of Assemblyman Oh is not very good. As a result, I think candidate Jeong will win." Mr. Bang (32), who lives in Nangok-dong, said, "I don't like the United Future Party much," adding, "They only protect their own vested interests."

Gwanak-eul is considered one of the closest battlegrounds in the April 15 general election. Of course, this area has been a traditional stronghold of the progressive camp, with Democratic Party-affiliated parties winning six times and the Unified Progressive Party once since 1988. However, in the 2015 by-election and the 2016 general election, conservative party candidate Oh defeated Jeong Tae-ho twice. The vote difference in the 20th general election was only 861 votes (0.7%). The third face-off between the two candidates is unpredictable. Unlike the last two elections, the fact that it is essentially a one-on-one race between the Democratic Party and the United Future Party is clearly an advantage for candidate Jeong. However, candidate Oh's recognition and trust built as an incumbent in the region are also considerable.

Aside from party support, a high favorability toward candidate Oh was also detected. Mr. Kim (35), a native of Gwanak-gu, said, "I don't like the United Future Party, but I will vote for candidate Oh," evaluating, "Regardless of the party, he has done well so far." Mr. Shin (32), who lives in Miseong-dong, said, "Candidate Oh often makes sincere statements," and expressed, "I hope he definitely wins (the election)."

On the afternoon of the 31st, Oh Shin-hwan, the United Future Party candidate running for Gwanak-eul in the April 15 general election, is meeting and talking with residents in Daehak-dong, Gwanak-gu, Seoul.

The atmosphere at the campaign site was also fiery. When candidate Jeong repeatedly bowed at a 90-degree angle to greet people at the Samsung-dong market that day, residents approached him directly shouting "Fighting," and some handed him drinks. Even a passing car stopped briefly to offer words of encouragement. Candidate Oh's popularity was by no means inferior. Based on his high recognition in Daehak-dong, candidate Oh naturally communicated with residents. When candidate Oh handed out business cards, residents responded, "We know you even if you don't give us one," and "Please win."

Both candidates showed confidence. Candidate Jeong said, "First of all, the feeling is good. There is a strong demand for regional development," adding, "Previously, our support base was divided between the Democratic Party and the People's Party, so we lost this area, but now it has consolidated under the Democratic Party. I have expectations that we can win (the election)." Candidate Oh said, "Judging by the evaluations that I have done well, the situation is not bad," and added, "For the past five years, I have worked tirelessly every day with sincerity, and I think the residents know that well."

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