[Yeongnam Region Public Sentiment] "Budget Expert Kim Hyun-kwon, Surprisingly Strong" vs "Park Chung-hee's Hometown, Unconditionally Kim Young-sik"

Gyeongbuk Gumi Eul
'Stronghold of Conservatism' but Changing Trends
Under 30s Make Up Half the Population
Three-Way Race with Independent Candidate Kim Bonggyo

[Gumi (Gyeongbuk) = Asia Economy Reporters Kim Hyemin and Jeon Jinyoung] Gumi, Gyeongbuk, the hometown of former President Park Chung-hee, is known as the so-called "stronghold of conservatism." Until now, it has never once handed over a National Assembly seat to the Democratic Party. However, in the recent local elections, a mayor from the Democratic Party was elected in Gumi City, signaling a shift in Gumi-eul. The fact that people under 30 make up half of the population is also a variable.

Here, three candidates are competing in a three-way race: Kim Hyun-kwon of the Democratic Party, who entered the National Assembly as a proportional representative and became known as a "permanent member of the Budget and Accounts Committee"; Kim Young-sik of the United Future Party, former president of Kumoh National Institute of Technology located in Gumi; and Kim Bong-gyo, a "local native" running as an independent after leaving the United Future Party. All candidates have pledged "economic revival" as their campaign promise to revitalize the industrial city of Gumi-eul.

"Boss, how are you these days? I heard that oil isn't selling well, and oil tankers are wandering around." At 4 p.m. on the 3rd, candidate Kim Hyun-kwon visited shops near Indong Square intersection. Having built a base through local activities in Gumi for two years, he had positive interactions with local residents, engaging in long conversations. The youth responded actively during his farewell greetings. Some people lowered their windows upon seeing Kim Hyun-kwon and shouted, "Go Democratic Party!" Others honked three times and gave thumbs-up signs out the window. Kim Hyun-kwon repeatedly bowed and said, "Thank you!"

Kim Hyun-kwon, the Democratic Party candidate running in Gumi-si (Eul), Gyeongbuk, is greeting commuters on their way home at the Indong Square intersection in Gumi-si, Gyeongbuk, on the 3rd. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo, Gumi, Gyeongbuk doso7@

"Citizens say they want a cat that catches mice well, whether it's a white cat or a black cat," said candidate Kim Hyun-kwon in an interview with Asia Economy. "There is a strong thirst for a figure who can solve the local economy." His plan to revive the local economy includes LG Chem investment, secondary batteries linked to the relocation of the military airport, and strengthening the defense industry. Although he is fighting a tough battle in a conservative stronghold, he intends to compete with his skills under the slogan "Gumi Economy Savior."

Candidate Kim Hyun-kwon pointed out, "In Daegu and Gyeongbuk, our real opponent is not the individual candidates but the conservative parties." He added, "They constantly try to make ideological issues a point of contention, but the real concern of local sentiment is about livelihood." He emphasized, "Having entered the National Assembly as a proportional representative and served as a 'permanent member of the Budget and Accounts Committee,' my ability to secure budgets is better than anyone else's."

"Kim Young-sik will revive Gumi." At 2 p.m. on the same day, the United Future Party's Kim Young-sik held his launch event. Despite the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), about 50 supporters gathered, creating a bustling atmosphere. People repeatedly called out Kim Young-sik's name and raised two fingers, symbolizing candidate number 2. Kim Young-sik bowed deeply to his supporters. The host said, "You should look at the party as well as the candidate," drawing a line between Kim Bong-gyo, who is running as an independent after leaving the United Future Party, and the party candidate.

Kim Young-sik, the candidate of the United Future Party running for Gumi City (Eul), Gyeongbuk, appeals for support at the launch event held on the 3rd in front of Indong Bus Stop, Gumi City, Gyeongbuk. Photo by Dongju Yoon, Gumi, Gyeongbuk doso7@

Candidate Kim Young-sik stated, "Gumi's economy is rapidly declining. The government's economic policy incompetence has been proven, and regime change is the answer." He said, "After visiting the constituency, citizens say they can't make a living and feel deceived." He added, "They talk a lot about double standards, economic downturn, and political retaliation under the pretext of clearing out deep-rooted evils."

Regarding concerns about vote splitting with the independent candidate, he dismissed them, saying, "Citizens say we must vote for number 2 unconditionally to save the country and revive the economy." On the youth vote, he said, "Having served as a university president, I have always been in touch with young people, who feel disappointment, betrayal, and frustration. I will actively target them." He also said, "Along with the new airport, I will make Gumi a central city in the 1 million economic zone."

"Now Gumi also needs to change," "What do these youngsters know? This place is definitely for the United Future Party." Amid the three-way race between the Democratic Party, United Future Party, and independent candidates, citizens' reactions are mixed. Mr. Jang, a taxi driver in his 60s, said, "I started at 6 a.m. and earned 20,000 won after working for 8 hours." He added, "I'm angry because of COVID-19 and the economy. To overthrow the Moon Jae-in administration, you have to vote for the United Future Party." An 87-year-old owner of a one-room apartment said, "Park Chung-hee created the industrial complex here so people could work, but the current government only criticizes and doesn't do anything."

On the other hand, there is also anticipation for the Democratic Party's good performance. Mr. Tak, a cafe owner in his 20s, said, "Half of my acquaintances support the Democratic Party," adding, "There seems to be a mood that Gumi also needs to change now." Mr. Shin, a 50s store owner, said, "Kim Young-sik was nominated and came to Gumi not long ago, but Kim Hyun-kwon has worked as a member of the National Assembly and is well known. The Democratic Party might surprisingly perform well."