Kim Min-seok, the leader of the Democratic Party, predicted on October 3 that the key battleground for the 2028 general election will be Busan and the Nakdong River.
During a youth meeting held at a café in Jeonpo-dong, Busan, Kim stated, "It will not be the Han River, but the Nakdong River where a significant battle for the future will take place in Busan. We will win there."
He emphasized the political significance of Busan, noting, "Busan is the birthplace of Presidents Kim Young-sam, Roh Moo-hyun, and Moon Jae-in. It is a city that stands alongside Gwangju as a leading city of democracy, with its history of the Busan Uprising and the Gwangju Democratization Movement."
Regarding constitutional amendments, he asserted, "The inclusion of the spirit of the Busan Uprising and May 18 in the preamble of the constitution must be done before any restructuring of power. The Democratic Party should be the one to inherit the legitimacy of Kim Young-sam, rather than the People Power Party, which rejects this."
On Kim Young-sam, he acknowledged, "While there were mistakes during the IMF crisis, the contributions to democracy are fully recognized and worthy of evaluation by the Democratic Party. His achievements include resolving the December 12 coup and establishing the May 18 Special Law."
Kim also discussed plans for Busan's development, mentioning the Gadeokdo New Airport, North Port development, and the vision of making Busan a maritime capital, stating, "These are essential and will be pursued."
He highlighted the youth vote, saying, "The high support rate for Jeon Jae-soo, the mayor of Busan, among young people indicates a strong expectation for change. If we present a clear vision, the youth will choose the side that offers it."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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