[Report] "Nothing Changes Even When the Regime Changes"... Listening to Public Sentiment in the Key Battleground of the General Election, Busan

Overcoming Challenges of 'Anti-Visit Sentiment' and Opposition's 'New Figures'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] The public sentiment in Busan, considered the fiercest battleground in the April 15 general election, was colder than ever. The anti-Moon Jae-in sentiment among the elderly in their 60s grew stronger, and there was a high level of fatigue toward established politicians, centered around the Liberty Korea Party.

The common topic among relatives gathered during the Lunar New Year holiday was politics, with the conflict between the current administration and Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol being a major subject of conversation. People in their 60s and 70s openly expressed dissatisfaction with the recent personnel changes in the prosecution led by Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae. Mr. Kim, a man in his 60s living in Yeonje-gu, Busan, said, "People around me, mostly in their mid-50s and older, all say this personnel reshuffle 'went too far,'" adding, "Compared to investigations under the previous administration, isn't this blatant double standards?"

Among those aged 60 and above, anti-Moon sentiment was deeply rooted. Mr. Kim, a man living in Nam-gu, Busan, said, "No matter which candidate comes out, this election will be about 'judging Moon Jae-in,'" adding, "If it were just about the candidates, I would want to vote for the Democratic Party of Korea, but I cannot support the Moon administration."

Some said their expectations turned into disappointment after two and a half years of the Moon administration. Ms. Kim, a woman in her 60s, said, "It seems the same whether it’s the previous or current administration," expressing disappointment, "The scandals involving close aides like the Cho Kuk incident and the former economic vice mayor Yoo Jae-soo case are bad, but they fail to give the impression that investigations are being conducted fairly." Ms. Kim, a woman in her 60s living in Dongnae-gu, Busan, also said, "I don’t know if this administration has done anything particularly well," adding, "They gave a lot to North Korea but nothing comes back to us, and although the global economy is difficult, they are not managing the economy properly."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Among younger generations, dissatisfaction with the current government erupted over local issues. Ms. Park, a woman in her 30s, said, "Many Busan citizens are inconvenienced by the central bus-only lanes (BRT), but the current mayor has not changed this," pointing out, "Where did the promise made two years ago that 'we will not continue this' go? Even if the administration changes, nothing has changed."

However, opinions were divided on whether dissatisfaction with the current administration would translate into votes for the Liberty Korea Party. Especially among younger people, there were voices saying they would vote based on the person, not the party. Mr. Kim, a man in his 30s, said, "If the current local member of the National Assembly was doing well, it’s a matter of voting for that person regardless of party," adding, "The criteria for voting are whether the person cares about the region and how often they have been in contact."

Mr. Park, a man in his 50s, also said, "I hope new and fresh young candidates get nominated and run," adding, "Even if you dislike Moon Jae-in, there is no one to vote for in the Liberty Korea Party among the current figures." Regarding the conservative unification movement, he said, "If they are going to do it, they should do it quickly," adding, "If conflicts are exposed during the unification process, many people will turn away."