[Report] Yongin Emphasizes Voting for Individuals... Strong Opposition to Semiconductor Relocation

A city that has never re-elected a mayor
Unified call for candidates who benefit the community
Sensitive response to the relocation of the semiconductor complex
Some see it as mere political rhetoric

Based on the resident registration population as of April this year from the Ministry of Data and Statistics, Gyeonggi Province has surpassed 13.75 million people and is set to be the largest metropolitan municipality in the upcoming 9th nationwide local elections on June 3. Major cities include Suwon (1.18 million people), Yongin (1.09 million), Goyang (1.05 million), and Hwaseong (990,000). Suwon, Goyang, and Hwaseong are relatively strongholds for the Democratic Party of Korea. In contrast, Yongin is considered a so-called ‘swing voter’ region in both parliamentary and local elections. Yongin has never allowed a mayor to be re-elected in any local election to date. This is why close attention is paid to the public sentiment in Yongin when analyzing the voting tendencies in Gyeonggi Province.

Entrance view of Yongin Central Market located in Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, visited on the 13th. Photo by Kim Pyeonghwa

"I will vote for a candidate who benefits the community"

At Yongin Central Market in Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, on the 13th, fruit vendor Mr. Kim (75) was asked if he had decided on a candidate for the upcoming local election. He replied, "I still need to look into it," but added, "I will vote for whoever does the job well." Kim emphasized, "I no longer vote just based on the party as in the past. I will review the campaign pledges more carefully and choose a candidate who will benefit the community."

Not only in Cheoin-gu but also among citizens met in Giheung-gu and Suji-gu, there were many who shared Kim’s perspective. Noh, an office worker (36) who said he was born and raised in Yongin, remarked, "Since it’s a local election, shouldn’t we be looking at the individual candidates?" Noh continued, "It’s been difficult to find housing recently. I have really felt the impact of real estate issues," and added, "I plan to make my decision after seeing what alternatives the candidates propose for this problem."

Near Suji District Office, an elderly man in his 80s, who was reluctant to reveal his identity, stressed, "I try not to vote leaning toward one side, and we shouldn't do that." He observed, "In the past, sometimes people who were not beneficial to Yongin were elected," and added, "Candidates all say they are outstanding, but I will not just look at their impressive resumes," showing a cautious attitude.

On the 13th, a view of Giheung Station located in Giheung District, Yongin City. The area around the station has heavy traffic, surrounded by high-rise apartments and shopping malls. Photo by Kim Pyeonghwa

Shifting support among moderates... Checks on the ruling party as well

On this day in Yongin, there were people who once identified as moderates but have turned away from the opposition since the impeachment crisis. Im Unjae (85), who said he has lived in the area for over 20 years, stated, "I used to be neutral, but now I don’t like the People Power Party. Aren’t they just fighting among themselves?" he sighed. Lee (57), who runs a convenience store, said, "I plan to vote for the Democratic Party of Korea candidate," adding, "I switched to the Democratic Party after the impeachment."

On the other hand, there were also those expressing a desire to check the large ruling party or voicing political fatigue. Kim (30), met near Giheung District Office, said, "I haven’t decided on all the candidates yet," but added, "If we want to balance the power of the president and the Democratic Party, I think it would be right to vote for the People Power Party candidate." Choi (27), who described himself as "leaning Democratic," said, "I’m so disappointed in politics that I won’t go to the polls."

On the 13th, a banner opposing the relocation demand of the Yongin semiconductor cluster was hung in Yongin Jungang Market. Photo by Kim Pyeonghwa

"No possibility of relocating the semiconductor industrial complex"

There was widespread sensitivity toward political calls to relocate the semiconductor cluster, which is concentrated in the Seoul metropolitan area, to other regions. In particular, Cheoin-gu is set to host the national semiconductor industrial complex (Samsung Electronics) in Namsa and Idong-eup and a general industrial complex (SK hynix) in Wonsam-myeon. For this reason, banners stating “absolute opposition to industrial complex relocation,” which are not seen in Giheung-gu or Suji-gu, were hung throughout the district.

However, some believed that the controversy over relocation would be no more than political rhetoric. Yoo Hocheol (64), who runs a restaurant in Idong-eup, said, "There has been so much investment that relocating would mean even greater losses. Is it even possible?" He added, "There’s no need to be swayed by such talk." Yang Jeongsuk (81), a wholesaler, said, "At the beauty salon, someone said you have to vote for number 2 (People Power Party) to save the semiconductor industry," and added, "It’s already being built, so where would they move it to now?"

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