[Report] "Conservative Hope" vs. "Must Be from Busan"... Divided Public Sentiment at Busan Gupo Market

Diverging Opinions in Every Alley...
"Still Undecided" Floating Voters
Campaigning in the Market, Greetings in the Alleys...
Candidates Compete for Grassroots Support
PK Public Sentiment Differs from TK...
Battle for Swing Voters Will Decide the Outcome

Gupo Market in Buk-gu, Busan has emerged as a political hotspot. Leading politicians from major parties visit almost daily. Although the official campaign period for the June 3 National Assembly by-election begins on the 21st, Gupo Market has already been swept up in the whirlwind of the election.

When visiting Gupo Market on the 3rd, the atmosphere was charged with political energy. The faces of the merchants were flushed with excitement, and their voices rose in pitch. It was clear that the political establishment in Yeouido was closely watching the sentiment at the market.

That morning, Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheongrae and Busan Buk-gu National Assembly candidate Ha Jeongwoo drew crowds on the main street of the market. Independent candidate Han Donghoon, also running for Buk-gu, went through the alleys greeting each merchant individually. The campaign team for Park Minsik, the People Power Party candidate for Buk-gu, was also busy working to win over local sentiment.

The atmosphere on the ground reflected a mix of expectations for a "conservative hope," wariness toward "outsiders," fatigue with "prosecutors," and indifference from those saying, "I don't know who these people are."

Residents shopping at Gupo Market in Buk-gu, Busan. Photo by Jin-Hyung Kang

The public recognition of Han Donghoon, a figure of national prominence, seemed high. Throughout the market, people could be heard asking, "Is Han Donghoon coming?" and "Where is he?"

Lee (64), who runs a restaurant, said, "(Candidate Han) seems diligent and speaks very nicely to the residents." Choi (73), who operates a vegetable store in Gupo Market, said, "I know Jeon Jaesoo, but I don't really know who Ha Jeongwoo is." Gwak (65), who runs a general store, commented, "I hope Han Donghoon goes to the National Assembly and completely reforms the People Power Party."

Park Minsik’s campaign is closely monitoring the fact that there is a desire among voters for change within the People Power Party. However, Park is a candidate who has shown competitiveness even against Jeon Jaesoo, a prominent Democratic Party figure representing Busan. The People Power Party believes that once their organizational efforts are in full swing, they can seize the initiative in the Busan election.

Traditionally, the decisive factor in elections has been the public mood or "wind." Merchants at Gupo Market noted that the market has become more vibrant. Cho Wonyoung (45), who runs a bedding shop, said, "Since Han Donghoon announced his candidacy, Gupo Market has gained a lot of attention, and many visitors from outside the area are coming." However, another merchant, who requested anonymity, remarked, "It's good to see more customers, but I wonder if it’s a fair game when supporters are moving in an organized way."

Candidate Ha could also see his public recognition rise as the election heats up, and his local ties to Busan may emerge as a strength. Yang Inkyu (54), who runs a food store, said, "For the region’s development, we need a candidate who is from Busan. Rather than candidates with backgrounds as prosecutors, someone with expertise in a new field might be better for the area."

The public sentiment in Busan has not yet tilted decisively in any direction. Voters in Buk-gu are still deliberating over whom to choose. Kim Seolmin (29), a merchant at Gupo Market, said, "I don’t have a party or candidate I usually support. I think my decision is heavily influenced by what my parents and other elders around me say." Yoo (52), who runs a restaurant, shared, "I’ve always supported the Democratic Party and thought Jeon Jaesoo was a good choice up until last year. But I think I’ll only know for sure once I’m in the voting booth. I’m still undecided."

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