Cho Guk in Pyeongtaek and Han Donghoon in Buk-gu Gap, Busan... High-Stakes Bids for National Assembly Seats

Cho Guk: "I Will Demonstrate Accountable Politics Until the End"
Han Donghoon: "I Will Focus on the Lives of Busan Citizens"
By-election Campaigns Shift Into High Gear

Cho Kuk, leader of the Jo Guk Innovation Party, and Han Donghoon, former leader of the People Power Party, have officially launched their bids ahead of the June 3 by-elections. Both figures are all-in for the campaign, staking not only their entry into the National Assembly but also their political futures on this high-stakes election.

According to the political community on April 20, Cho Kuk is virtually confirmed to run in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, while Han Donghoon is set to run in Buk-gu Gap, Busan. Both are fully engaged in preliminary campaign activities.

The outcome of this election is expected to sharply define the political status of the two. If elected, each could emerge as a key figure reshaping the progressive and conservative camps, respectively. Conversely, a loss would inevitably deal a significant blow to their political standing.

Jo Guk, leader of the Jo Guk Innovation Party, is speaking at the on-site supreme council meeting held on the 20th in front of the planned site for KTX Gyeonggi Southern Station in Godeok-myeon, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

On this day, Cho Kuk held a supreme council meeting in front of the planned site for KTX Gyeonggi Southern Station in Pyeongtaek and emphasized his commitment to addressing local issues. The project has been delayed for years and is considered a long-standing wish of the local community. Cho Kuk stated, "The reason this project has been adrift for nearly 20 years is a lack of politicians who take full responsibility. It was not the project that stalled but politics itself. I, Cho Kuk, will demonstrate politics that takes responsibility to the end."

The choice of Pyeongtaek also reflects an experiment in expanding toward the political center. Pyeongtaek is a region where industrial, military, and new town elements coexist, resulting in a diverse voter base. Traditionally, it is a conservative stronghold, but if Cho Kuk achieves meaningful results here, it could demonstrate his potential to appeal to moderate voters.

Additionally, the fact that the seat became vacant due to a fault of the Democratic Party of Korea also seemed to influence Cho Kuk’s decision to run. It is also interpreted as a strategy to fill the gap and gain an upper hand in the opposition’s leadership contest.

On the 8th, former People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon visited Gupo Market in Busan, communicating with citizens. Photo provided by Han Dong-hoon's team

Han Donghoon, who declared his candidacy in Buk-gu Gap, Busan, is also making moves to enter the National Assembly. He continues to engage with the public through street campaigns and social networking service (SNS) activities. On this day, Han Donghoon attended a meeting with parents in Buk-gu Gap but avoided a direct answer when asked about the possibility of consolidating with the People Power Party candidate, saying, "I will focus on the lives of Busan citizens and Buk-gap residents."

The Democratic Party of Korea, with support from Busan mayoral candidate Jeon Jae-soo, is considering recruiting Ha Jungwoo, the presidential office’s chief of AI & Future Planning, as a counter-move. Their strategy is to attract young talent and counter the "Conservative Gathering Southeast Wind" led by Han Donghoon. Buk-gu Gap is the only constituency among Busan’s 18 districts held by the Democratic Party of Korea.

Ha Jungwoo appeared on MBC Radio’s "Kwon Soon-woo’s Question Mark" on the 16th and said, "My thoughts on what is more important for the national interest change from morning to night," suggesting he would announce his future plans after the president’s overseas trip.

In response, Han Donghoon criticized, "If you’re going to run, then run; if not, then don’t. Dragging out the decision is not appropriate. You should be persuading the citizens of Busan first, rather than continuing internal discussions."

The political community sees both individuals as having made decisive moves to enter the National Assembly, and believes the results of these by-elections will mark a turning point in the realignment of both camps. If elected, they are expected to expand their influence, but if defeated, their political positions are likely to be weakened.

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