Pyeongtaek-eul, Busan Buk-gu-gap Emerge as By-election "Hot Spots" with Tight Races... Unification Prospects Remain Distant

In the National Assembly by-elections to be held on June 3, the Pyeongtaek-eul district in Gyeonggi Province and the Buk-gu-gap district in Busan, both emerging as "hot spots," are experiencing tight races between candidates. In both constituencies, alliances between progressive and conservative camps have become a key issue, but prospects for a unified candidacy are slim.

According to political circles on May 14, Kim Yongnam of the Democratic Party of Korea, Yoo Eui-dong of the People Power Party, Cho Kuk of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, Kim Jae-yeon of the Progressive Party, and Hwang Kyo-ahn of the Liberty and Innovation Party, all running in the Pyeongtaek-eul by-election, are set to register as candidates on this day. Both the broader progressive and conservative camps are starting the race without unifying their candidates before registration, effectively "departing with the doors open."

In the five-way contest in Pyeongtaek-eul, Kim Yongnam, Yoo Eui-dong, and Cho Kuk are neck and neck. According to a poll conducted by Gallup Korea at the request of News1 on May 12-13 (501 respondents in Pyeongtaek-eul, telephone interviews, response rate 10.0%, margin of error ±4.4% at the 95% confidence level), Kim Yongnam received 29% support, Cho Kuk 24%, Yoo Eui-dong 20%, Hwang Kyo-ahn 8%, and Kim Jae-yeon 4%. The top three candidates are all within or near the margin of error, indicating a close race.

The issue of unification within the broad progressive camp (Democratic Party, Innovation Party, and Progressive Party) remains at a stalemate. The rivalry between Kim Yongnam and Cho Kuk has intensified. Democratic Party chief spokesperson Kang Junhyun told reporters in the morning, "The decision on unification rests with the candidates." Regarding the rivalry, Kim Jae-yeon commented, "It's confusing whether we're fighting the People Power Party or fighting among the broader progressives."

Nevertheless, since a progressive alliance in Pyeongtaek-eul could influence other races such as the Ulsan mayoral election, the possibility of unification remains. Some observers note that attention should also be paid to the potential for conservative consolidation or alliances. Appearing on KBS’s “Jeonggyeok Sisa” on this day, Cho Kuk said, "At this point, it is time for Pyeongtaek citizens to evaluate and verify the candidates directly," adding, "If, over time, the citizens of Pyeongtaek command a unified candidacy, everyone will have to comply."

A similar scenario is unfolding in the three-way by-election in Busan Buk-gu-gap. Here too, candidates proceed to register without any unification. Ha Jeongwoo and Park Minshik of the Democratic Party are registering on this day, while Han Donghoon, an independent candidate, is expected to register on May 15.

Yonhap News Agency

The race in Buk-gu-gap is also neck and neck. According to a survey conducted by Gallup Korea at the request of News1 on May 12-13 (508 respondents in Buk-gu-gap, telephone interviews, response rate 11.3%, margin of error ±4.3% at the 95% confidence level), Ha Jeongwoo received 39% support, Han Donghoon 29%, and Park Minshik 21%.

There is speculation that whether the conservatives unify behind a single candidate will determine the outcome, but Park Minshik and Han Donghoon remain locked in a power struggle. A current lawmaker from the People Power Party in Busan commented in a phone call, "Even if unification happens, it is unlikely that the core supporters of both candidates will accept it," adding, "As the election approaches, we expect to see the conservative base rallying."

Among pro-Han factions, there is hope for a "unification by public sentiment." Woo Jaejun, a Supreme Council member of the People Power Party classified as pro-Han, appeared on YTN's "Jang Sungchul's News Myungdang" and said, "There is a strong desire among People Power Party supporters to prevent Ha Jeongwoo from being elected, and this sentiment will determine the future direction." For details regarding the polls cited in this article, please refer to the website of the National Election Survey Deliberation Commission.

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