Independent Han Dong-hoon wins Busan by-election

Independent candidate Han Dong-hoon has effectively secured victory in the June 3rd by-election for the Busanjin-gu North constituency, marking a significant return to politics. As of early morning on June 4th, with 99.51% of votes counted, Han led with 42.99% of the vote, narrowly defeating Democratic Party candidate Ha Jeong-woo, who secured 41.24%. Park Min-sik of the People Power Party trailed with 15.76%.

Speaking from his election office in Busan's Buk District around 2 a.m., Han expressed gratitude to the voters. "I thank the great citizens of Buk District who have opened the path for Buk District's future and conservative reconstruction with this historic victory," he stated. He also pledged to "control the reckless actions of the Lee Jae-myung administration and balance South Korea."

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I thank the great citizens of Buk District who have opened the path for Buk District's future and conservative reconstruction with this historic victory. I will control the reckless actions of the Lee Jae-myung administration and balance South Korea.

Ha Jeong-woo conceded defeat, stating, "I will humbly accept the results. I congratulate candidate Han on his victory." The outcome of this by-election, which saw Han Dong-hoon re-enter politics as an independent after being expelled from the People Power Party under Chairman Jang Dong-hyuk, is expected to intensify discussions about the future leadership and potential restructuring of the conservative political landscape.

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I will humbly accept the results. I congratulate candidate Han on his victory.