[Report] Pyeongtaek-eul, Unpredictable and Neck-and-Neck... Voters Remain Uncertain Amid Unification Variables

June 3 By-election in Pyeongtaek-eul, Gyeonggi Province
Kim Yongnam, Yoo Eidong, and Cho Kuk Lead the Three-way Race
Progressive Lean Intensifies with New Town Influx
Rising Hopes Among Progressives for Unification
Conservative Base "Evaluating Policies" with Caution

"If the progressive bloc fails to unite, it will be a real dilemma for me." (Kim Yutae, a self-employed resident of Anjung-eup in his 50s)

"I'm more interested in the economy than politics, so I'll probably vote for the conservative candidate." (Ms. Kim, a woman in her 40s)

The Pyeongtaek-eul district in Gyeonggi Province is considered the most hotly contested constituency in the upcoming parliamentary by-election scheduled for June 3. The Democratic Party has nominated Kim Yongnam, a former Saenuri Party lawmaker, while the People Power Party has chosen Yoo Eidong, a three-term lawmaker from Pyeongtaek. The Cho Kuk Innovation Party, Progressive Party, and Liberty and Innovation Party have each fielded their respective party leaders as candidates: Cho Kuk, Kim Jaeyeon, and Hwang Kyoan.

On May 4, at Anjung Five-way Intersection in Anjung-eup, Pyeongtaek City, the campaign offices of Cho Kuk, Kim Jaeyeon, and Hwang Kyoan stood out with their large banners. Nearby were the campaign offices of Kim Yongnam and Yoo Eidong. Although Pyeongtaek-eul was once a conservative stronghold, the influx of younger residents due to the development of Godeok International New City has shifted the region toward a more progressive orientation. In the 2024 general election, Democratic Party candidates were elected in all three constituencies: Pyeongtaek Gap, Eul, and Byeong.

According to a poll commissioned by News Tomato and conducted by Media Tomato on May 1-2, Kim Yongnam led with 28.8%, followed by Yoo Eidong with 22.5% and Cho Kuk with 22.2%. Hwang Kyoan received 8.9%, and Kim Jaeyeon garnered 8.8%. (The poll surveyed 804 adult men and women residing in Pyeongtaek-eul, using a wireless ARS (automated response) system, with a response rate of 7.7% and a margin of error of ±3.5 percentage points at a 95% confidence level. For more details, please refer to the website of the National Election Survey Deliberation Commission.)

Election offices of Kim Yongnam, Democratic Party candidate (left), and Yoo Eudong, People Power Party candidate, located in Anjung-eup, Pyeongtaek City, Gyeonggi Province. 2026.5.4. Photo by Heejin Ji.

"If They Don't Unite, It's a Dilemma"... The 'Cho Kuk Factor' in Play

Supporters of progressive parties expressed hope for unification. Mr. Kim (53), a resident of Oseong-myeon, said, "I wish Kim Yongnam, Cho Kuk, and Kim Jaeyeon would unite behind a single candidate, but since they aren't merging, it's a real dilemma. If unification doesn't happen, I'll probably vote for Cho Kuk. He is of presidential caliber, so I plan to choose a major figure." Kim Yutae said, "I'm considering supporting either the Democratic Party or the Innovation Party, but since Kim Yongnam is a former conservative, I can't fully trust him yet."

Yeom (69), a resident of Anjung-eup, commented, "Cho Kuk is certainly a major figure, but I'm still not sure about him. I didn't vote in the last presidential election because I wasn't interested, but this time, since the president is doing a good job, I plan to go to the polls."

Among those in their 20s and 30s, there was some opposition to Cho Kuk. Lee Subin (22), a resident of Godeok-dong, said, "Don't young people generally dislike Cho Kuk? I'll vote for the Democratic Party candidate." Han (in his 60s), who runs a real estate business in Godeok-dong, also remarked, "Since it's still early in the president's term, I'll vote for the ruling party candidate with real power."

A view of the election offices of candidate Cho Kuk of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, candidate Kim Jaeyeon of the Progressive Party, and candidate Hwang Kyoan of the Liberty and Innovation Party located at Anjung Intersection, Anjung-eup, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi Province. 2026.5.4. Photo by Jihye Jin

The Conservative Base Is 'Cautious'... "Evaluating Policies"

The conservative support base remained reserved. Mr. Hong (46), a real estate agent in Anjung-eup, said, "I usually lean conservative, but I'm waiting to see if the Reform New Party will field a candidate. If not, I will probably vote for Yoo Eidong. I hope a talented candidate who can advance Pyeongtaek's semiconductor industry will run."

On the other hand, Mr. Kim (70), a taxi driver, said, "Many conservative taxi drivers around me say they won't vote for the People Power Party this time. Yoo Eidong has served three terms, but I don't really know what he's done for this area." Hwang Injune (34) added, "Since there are so many promises that go unfulfilled, I'll choose a candidate who, even with smaller pledges, can actually deliver on them."

In older downtown and rural areas, conservative sentiment was evident. Kim Wonho (43) said, "Rural residents here are still strongly conservative. My mother and family, who are natives of this area, continue to support the People Power Party."

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