[The Editors' Verdict] The Paradox of Ha Taekyung's Bid for a Difficult Constituency

The politician Ha Tae-kyung holds the highest vote share in Busan in the 21st general election. He ran as a candidate of the United Future Party (the predecessor of the People Power Party) in the Haeundae Gap district and secured 59.5% of the votes. Haeundae is a conservative stronghold in Busan. The highest vote share cannot be explained simply by having a favorable "political soil." It was possible because he diligently cultivated his voter base.

Ha, who became a three-term veteran in Busan, was expected to be easily re-elected in next April's general election if he received the nomination for his district. However, he declared his candidacy in Seoul. "It is out of a sincere desire to become a stepping stone for victory in the metropolitan area." His announcement on October 7 shook the political circles in Yeouido. "Very encouraging," "Spirit of self-sacrifice".... The ruling party leadership continued to praise him.

Ha's choice ignited the debate over running in difficult constituencies for both ruling and opposition parties. The ruling party gained an advantageous position in the political legitimacy battle ahead of the general election. The Democratic Party of Korea took a heavy blow. The nearly two-month-long "Ha Tae-kyung time" has recently changed his status, who was once seen as an icon of political sacrifice and determination.

The district Ha pointed to for his candidacy is Jongno, known as "Political No. 1" in Seoul. Jongno is the district of Choi Jae-hyung, a member of the ruling party. It has become a situation where a multi-term lawmaker eyes the district of a first-term ruling party lawmaker.

Ha said, "I will throw myself in without a moment's hesitation," but criticism continued from the ruling party that his behavior was inappropriate. It is a sudden reversal that confuses observers. When rumors arose about Han Dong-hoon, the Minister of Justice, running, Ha said Jongno was a difficult district, but when he himself runs, he argued it is not a difficult district.

Ha Tae-kyung, Member of the People Power Party / Photo by Kang Jin-hyeong aymsdream@

The more he shows such behavior, the more he only damages his dignity. The emotional appeal of politics is not in the realm of persuasion. The very act of packaging one's choice as a sacrificial decision is an embarrassing scene.

The reason Ha's status changed is that he overlooked the paradox of running in a difficult district. The moment a politician announces the relinquishment of their vested rights might be their brightest moment. While praise follows, it may feel like walking on clouds, but the story changes when facing political reality. If one does not go to a place recognized by everyone as a difficult district, they can be caught in a counterattack like Ha's case.

In that sense, running in a difficult district as an incumbent lawmaker is a double-edged sword. Choosing to leave one's district hurts the existing constituents who trusted and supported the lawmaker. It is a thunderbolt for other politicians preparing to run in the district one intends to move to. When a lawmaker moves districts and demands the party's nomination, it can ultimately be seen as free-riding on the voter base cultivated by others.

This is why running in a difficult district requires high-level political skills. Efforts must precede to soothe the disappointment of the existing constituents who elected the lawmaker and to seek understanding from politicians active in the district one intends to move to. This process can be more arduous than expected. The claim of running in a difficult district can be perceived as greed rather than sacrifice.

Ahead of the 22nd general election, if there is another incumbent lawmaker planning to move districts, it is hoped they will carefully reconsider the paradox of running in a difficult district.

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