By-Elections Heat Up: Candidates Trade Barbs, Accusations Fly in Busan and Pyeongtaek

The official campaign period for the June 3 by-elections has kicked off, igniting fierce competition, particularly in the Busan North District (갑) and Pyeongtaek B constituencies. In Busan North, the race is characterized by intense verbal sparring among conservative candidates, with People Power Party's Park Min-sik and independent candidate Han Dong-hoon exchanging accusations of betrayal. This intra-party conflict threatens to undermine the conservative vote, potentially benefiting the Democratic Party's candidate, Ha Jeong-woo.

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Han is a person who has inflicted unforgivable wounds on the conservative camp and should repent on his knees.

Park Min-sik directly attacked Han Dong-hoon, calling him a "traitor" who has inflicted "unforgivable wounds" on the conservative camp and should "repent on his knees." He further declared he would not unify with Han, even going so far as to perform a ritualistic head-shaving ceremony in protest. Han Dong-hoon retaliated, questioning Park's own loyalty to Busan and suggesting he should remain silent if he has betrayed the region. Meanwhile, Ha Jeong-woo urged the candidates to "stop the bickering" and focus on serving the district, implying their political squabbles are out of place.

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Are you referring to yourself, who betrayed Busan and left?

Polls in Busan North show Ha Jeong-woo and Han Dong-hoon in a tight race, with Park Min-sik lagging behind. A recent survey indicated Ha leading Han by a narrow margin in a head-to-head matchup, while another showed them tied. The dynamic suggests that the conservative vote is split, creating an opportunity for the Democratic candidate.

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Why are politics and ideology involved in the name of Buk-gu? If you want to fight, go to Seoul.

In Pyeongtaek B, the competition is equally fierce, with five candidates vying for the seat. Democratic Party candidate Kim Yong-nam criticized potential rivals for their lack of local ties and perceived presidential ambitions. Cho Kuk of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party emphasized the importance of choosing a candidate based on their character rather than party affiliation, positioning himself as a unifier for the progressive camp. Yoo Eui-dong of the People Power Party questioned the credibility of candidates who have recently moved to the area, highlighting his own long-standing residency. The Pyeongtaek B race is also seen as a three-way contest, with potential for last-minute unification talks to influence the outcome.

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I will not unify with the traitor Han Dong-hoon.