[Report] Gangwon Voters in the General Election Say "Parties Are Meaningless for Livelihood... We Will Elect Candidates Who Can Revive the Local Economy"

Conservative Camp's Stronghold Location Shaken

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jin-young] "Life is so hard that I don't even have the leisure to think about which party to vote for."

On the afternoon of the 24th, I visited Wonju, Gangwon Province. The old downtown area, which was once considered somewhat bustling, showed empty shops everywhere. Every other building had a 'For Rent' sign, and even the shops that were open had notes saying they were closed due to COVID-19.

Foot traffic in the market alleys had completely stopped, and places like Miro Art Market, a street for young artists and entrepreneurs, were completely shut down. I also saw college students who came to visit turning away in front of closed shop doors.

On the afternoon of the 24th, I visited Wonju Miro Art Market. Due to the impact of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), most of the shops were closed.

This is the landscape changed by the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis.

Historically, Gangwon has been considered a stronghold of the conservative camp in general elections. In the 20th general election, the conservative camp won 7 out of 8 seats in Gangwon, and in the 19th general election, the Saenuri Party (the predecessor of the United Future Party) took all 9 seats. However, the recent changes in the lives of Gangwon residents due to COVID-19 have even shaken the public sentiment for the general election.

Park (58), who runs a twisted doughnut shop in the central market, said, "It's so hard that I haven't even thought about who to vote for. But I want to vote for someone who promises to revive the economy," adding, "Sales have dropped because of COVID-19, and it has been very difficult."

He continued, "I have been voting for the Liberty Korea Party (United Future Party), but what has changed? What have they done? I don't feel anything has changed," and said, "I want to vote for the party that can save us immediately."

Heo (45), who runs a mobile phone accessories store, said, "The rent for this store alone is 7 million won per month. I have to work all day. I think the economy has just worsened, rather than it being just because of COVID-19," and added, "I want to judge the ruling party because of economic issues. They made things worse than before."

In the face of livelihood issues, party colors and ideologies were meaningless. Ultimately, the general opinion of Wonju citizens met by the reporters was to elect candidates who understand local sentiment well and can revive the local economy.

What about the evaluation of the candidates running in the general election? The Democratic Party has brought out the card of former Gangwon Governor Lee Kwang-jae in Gangwon, which has been a weak area for them. Former Governor Lee has declared his candidacy in 'Wonju Gap' and faces Park Jeong-ha of the United Future Party.

A merchant in the central market said, "Governor Lee Kwang-jae recently came here. He is definitely a well-known candidate, but there have been some unpleasant incidents, so public opinion is not very favorable," and added, "The Democratic Party should take some responsibility for the economy."

He also said about candidate Park, "Last time, it seems Kim Ki-seon of the United Future Party was elected, but I don't even remember what he did here. This time, someone else is running again, but I don't trust them."

A taxi driver in his 50s, Lee, said, "Former Governor Lee came out for the general election right after being pardoned," and "I was disappointed with the ruling party, which criticized the proportional alliance party but then decided to participate. I will vote for candidate Park."

He expressed regret, saying, "Last year, there was a fire in the central market that burned 80 places. When a fire broke out in Daegu's Seomun Market, they restored it properly, but here the city hall just gave a little money and ended it," and "Other places get support, but Gangwon does not. Gangwon always feels neglected."

On the other hand, in the new town with a large influx of young people, expectations for former Governor Lee were expressed. Lee (40), who runs a cafe in Musil-dong, said, "Since he was the governor of Gangwon Province, I expect him to be familiar with local issues," and added, "I also want to give a plus to the ruling party for their good COVID-19 response. Their response was definitely different from the previous administration."

The scene moved to Chuncheon, known as the 'number one political district in Gangwon.' Chuncheon was combined with Cheorwon, Hwacheon, and Yanggu to form a complex electoral district in this election district delimitation process.

There were complaints about the electoral district. Kim (44), a resident of Seoksadong, said, "Chuncheon has the provincial government office and many people; it's such a big city. How can it be combined with other districts like this?" and added, "How much do they underestimate Gangwon to divide it like this? Isn't it just that the lawmakers in Seoul failed to do their part?"

In Chuncheon-Cheorwon-Hwacheon-Yanggu Gap, Democratic Party candidate Heo Young, United Future Party lawmaker Kim Jin-tae, and Justice Party candidate Eom Jae-cheol are competing, while in Chuncheon-Cheorwon-Hwacheon-Yanggu Eul, Democratic Party candidate Jeong Man-ho and United Future Party candidate Han Ki-ho are in a clear two-way contest.

Public sentiment is not much different. Lee (50), who runs a chicken galbi restaurant in Toegye-dong, said, "I will vote for the place with good economic policies, but I won't vote for those who make populist pledges," and added, "I hope they understand that what small business owners need now is lower rent, taxes, and VAT. I have no complaints about the current administration, but that's how I feel."