Rival Conservative Candidates Launch Campaigns Just 600 Meters Apart in Busan

The political landscape in Busan's Buk-gap constituency is heating up as two prominent conservative candidates, Park Min-sik of the People Power Party and independent Han Dong-hoon, held their campaign office opening ceremonies within a mere 600 meters of each other. This close proximity underscores the intense rivalry and the high stakes of the upcoming by-election.

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Conservative factions engaging in internal strife, self-righteous conservatives, and outdated conservatives must now step down.

Park Min-sik, backed by the People Power Party leadership, including Chairman Jang Dong-hyuk, rallied supporters by decrying internal divisions within the conservative camp. He urged a move away from "internal strife," "self-righteousness," and "outdated conservatism," positioning himself as a unifier who has consistently defended the party. His campaign emphasized loyalty and a commitment to the party's core values, implicitly targeting Han's independent candidacy.

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I will win in Buk-gu and definitely go to the Blue House.

In contrast, Han Dong-hoon, a former interim leader of the People Power Party, drew a massive crowd of supporters, many sporting the distinctive "Monami look" of white tops and black bottoms. Han declared his ambition to win the election and advance to the Blue House, signaling his national aspirations. While his campaign featured prominent figures like former Governor Seo Byung-soo, it notably lacked the presence of current People Power Party lawmakers, who were reportedly warned against attending due to potential disciplinary action.

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I considered inviting powerful figures to boast, but I prepared this opening ceremony as a festival with the residents of Buk-gu.

The Democratic Party's candidate, Ha Jeong-woo, also held his opening ceremony, positioning himself as part of a continuity of development for the district. The close contest is reflected in recent polls, which show a tight race among the three main candidates, highlighting the unpredictable nature of this pivotal by-election.

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The reason the conservative party has fallen into difficulty is because we have divided ourselves. We need someone like Park Min-sik, who has steadfastly defended conservatism, to rebuild the conservative party, not someone who sows seeds of conflict and division.