[Going to the Hotspot] Seoul Dongjak-eul, "Stagnant for 6 Years" vs "Still Na Kyung-won"

Judge Senior-Junior Key Battle
'Ruling Party Strength' Lee Su-jin vs 'Long-standing Resident Rapport' Na Kyung-won

[Asia Economy Reporters Jeon Jinyoung and Heo Midam] The Dongjak-eun district, where senior and junior judges face off, is a key electoral district in Seoul's western belt. Being adjacent to Gangnam, education and development issues are major concerns here. Although it has been called a 'conservative stronghold' with conservative parties winning for the past 12 years, it is interpreted as a region where the ruling party, which can effectively promote development and education issues, holds the upper hand rather than a purely conservative inclination.

Photo by Heo Midam

"It has been very difficult due to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), but this time, disaster basic income has been introduced." At 4 p.m. that day, Lee Sujin, the Democratic Party candidate, visited the shops in Heukseok-dong. She targeted business owners and small merchants hit hard by COVID-19, highlighting the ruling party's policy capabilities such as disaster basic income. Although the residents' reactions were somewhat lukewarm due to the candidate's low recognition as a newcomer, a positive atmosphere prevailed at the campaign site. Some people gave a thumbs-up from their car windows upon seeing Lee from afar, while others voiced support saying, "Please defeat Na Kyungwon, the United Future Party candidate," and "If you don't win the general election, don't come to our house." Local Democratic Party supporters also joined and energized the campaign.

Lee said, "As a ruling party candidate, it is an advantage to propose and request necessary support," adding, "People I meet ask me to change Dongjak-eun, but I think this is not my (recognition) problem but the opponent's problem."

Photo by Heo Midam

"Mother, you got a new hairstyle," "I haven't seen those pants before, did you get them?" At 2 p.m., candidate Na visited the Namseong Market in Sadang-dong. Despite the United Future Party's disadvantage, Na's six years of experience in Dongjak remained evident. People ran up to take photos upon seeing Na from afar, and some invited him into their shops to eat. Supporters approached first, saying, "Na candidate, fighting," and "Don't be discouraged, stay strong."

Na said, "Anyone can talk about dreams, but the ability to achieve them differs. Only a multi-term lawmaker can change laws and bring budgets," and added, "If I enter the 21st National Assembly, there is a possibility of becoming party leader or deputy speaker," showing the confidence of a four-term lawmaker.

Regarding Dongjak development issues, Lee advocated for 'regeneration,' while Na emphasized 'Gangnam 4 districts.' Lee told Asia Economy, "Over six years, the opponent has promised Gangnam 4 districts, and a few good apartments have been built, but the alleys remain the same," adding, "If development continues indiscriminately, the original residents will have to leave this neighborhood. I want to create good streets with the concept of regeneration."

Na said, "I will make Dongjak a first-class Gangnam 4 district," adding, "It's just one street away from Gangnam. With the Seoripul Tunnel opened, we will attract mid-sized companies in the 4th industrial revolution, establish the hardware of an economic valley, and complete Dongjak with education and cultural software."

As it is a battleground, citizens' reactions are divided between 'the new blood Lee Sujin' and 'still Na Kyungwon.' Lee Sugil, in his 60s and a native of Heukseok-dong, said, "Apartments have been built in Heukseok-dong, but the underdeveloped areas have not improved at all," and added, "The Democratic Party must win."

Kim, in his mid-30s who runs a restaurant, said, "Lee has low recognition, but I have a favorable impression of her because Na has personal issues such as his son's problem."

On the other hand, Tak, in his 60s who runs a gamjatang (pork bone soup) restaurant in Heukseok-dong, said, "Dongjak has become cleaner since Na came, and transportation has become more convenient," adding, "An experienced candidate like Na is better, isn't he?" Lee, 75, who runs a shop in Sadang-dong, also said, "I support Na, who meets residents every day. Poll results do not necessarily mean victory."

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