The campaign offices of Park Min-sik, the People Power Party candidate for the June 3 by-election in Busan's North District, and Han Dong-hoon, an independent candidate, opened simultaneously on May 10, sparking a competitive atmosphere. The People Power Party leadership, including Jang Dong-hyuk, attended Park's opening to showcase their support, while Han's event focused on local residents. The Democratic Party candidate, Ha Jung-woo, also launched his campaign office on the same day, marking the start of the election battle.
At the opening of Park's office in the Daehyang Building, Jang stated, "Isn't it time to renew the People Power Party?" He emphasized that someone like Park, who has steadfastly upheld conservatism, should lead the party's transformation rather than those who sow seeds of conflict and division. Jang acknowledged the disappointment among voters due to internal strife within the party, asserting that Park Min-sik is needed, someone who truly loves the party, rather than those who seek to exploit it. He also claimed, "To prevent the tax bomb that will explode after the election, we need a true fighter like Park Min-sik who knows how to fight properly."
Jang dismissed Han, stating, "He is someone who should not be in politics and does not know how to do politics," criticizing him as a candidate supported by Lee Jae-myung, who he accused of damaging the country.
The event saw significant attendance from the party leadership, including Jang and floor leader Song Eon-seok, as well as senior members like Kwon Young-se, Kim Ki-hyun, Na Kyung-won, and Ahn Cheol-soo. Busan mayoral candidate Park Hyung-jun and former Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Won Hee-ryong were also present.
Meanwhile, Han's campaign office opening took place about a 10-minute walk away. Members of the pro-Han faction did not attend, as the People Power Party leadership had previously warned that supporting a candidate outside their party would lead to disciplinary action, prompting Han to discourage attendance.
The audience at Han's event was primarily made up of local residents and supporters. Han remarked, "Today's opening is different from other events." He explained that he had initially planned to gather influential figures for a media showcase but changed his mind after meeting a local woman who had made him a rice ball lunch. He stated, "We transformed our opening into a festival with the residents," pledging to develop the North District and rebuild conservatism while stopping the current administration's excesses.
Han's opening intensified the election competition, with notable attendees including Jeon Jae-soo, the Busan mayoral candidate serving as Han's campaign chair, former Busan mayor Moon Jeong-soo, honorary campaign chair Kim Young-chun, and Congressman Kim Young-jin. Han expressed his commitment, saying, "As a son of North District, I will dedicate my expertise in artificial intelligence to the future of our district."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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