[Going to the Battleground] Gominjeong "One Team Momentum" Oh Sehun "No Regionalism"... Seoul Gwangjin-eul Public Sentiment

A Neck-and-Neck Race Within the Margin of Error... Impact on the Entire Seoul Metropolitan Area
"Cheer Up, Gominjung" "Trustworthy Oh Se-hoon" Citizen Support is Evenly Matched

On the 6th, Go Min-jeong, the Democratic Party candidate running for the 21st National Assembly election in Seoul Gwangjin-eul (left), appealed for support to commuters in front of Konkuk University Station in Jayang-dong, while Oh Se-hoon, the United Future Party candidate, appealed for support to commuters in front of Ttukseom Resort Station. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Seoul Gwangjin-eul is a fiercely contested battleground where both the Democratic Party and the United Future Party are putting their utmost effort. Recent polls show a neck-and-neck race within the margin of error between Democratic candidate Go Mindeok and United Future Party candidate Oh Sehun. The victory here is considered crucial enough to influence the entire metropolitan area election, drawing intense attention to this district.

Democratic Party of Korea candidate for Seoul Gwangjin District, Kong Ki-mjung, is appealing for support from commuters on the traffic island in front of Gangbyeon Technomart in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, on the 7th. Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

The campaign site visited on the 6th reflected this intensity, buzzing with excitement. When candidate Go, wearing a gray jacket and white gloves, appeared around Guui 3-dong, residents cheered loudly, calling out his name. As Go began his campaign speech, some residents shouted encouragements like "Make it stronger." A passerby in a car even rolled down the window and gave Go a thumbs-up.

Candidate Oh's popularity was also considerable. That afternoon, Oh wore a 'Happy Pink' colored jumper and gloves marked with the number '2' while campaigning by car in front of Lotte Department Store in Jayang-dong. After the campaign, supporters gathered around Oh, requesting photos. Some encouraged him by saying, "Make sure to win."

Go, leveraging his experience as a Blue House spokesperson, and Oh, emphasizing his long political career, both expressed confidence. Go said, "We need to bring a spring breeze to politics. The wind has already started blowing in Gwangjin. I will wholeheartedly implement Moon Jae-in's politics here in Gwangjin." Oh also stressed, "For South Korea to stand straight and for Gwangjin-gu to develop, change is necessary. This time, we must change by looking at the person. You have seen how I worked as Seoul mayor for five years. Things will definitely change."

The two candidates also engaged in a significant battle of words. Go told Asia Economy, "I wish Oh would show the demeanor of a senior. It was very disappointing to see him engage in negative politics during the recent debate." He added, "I have a one-team spirit that Oh does not have. From local governments to the central government, I will swiftly push forward pledges and become a candidate who actually fulfills promises." Oh continued his offensive against Go during his campaign, criticizing at a rally in front of Konkuk University Station, "Seeing someone who wants to become a member of the National Assembly stir up regional sentiments to gain votes was truly shocking and disheartening."

On the 7th, Oh Se-hoon, the Future United Party candidate for Seoul Gwangjin District, appealed for support from commuters in front of Guui Station in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul. Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

Public opinion is polarized. Park (28), met in Guui 3-dong, said, "This is a Democratic Party stronghold, so I think candidate Go will be elected smoothly." On the other hand, office worker Lee (48) said, "I am not a supporter of the United Future Party," but added, "Go is still young and lacks experience to represent Gwangjin-eul, so Oh seems more reliable."

Opinions also diverged regarding Oh's achievements as Seoul mayor. Kim Hyochang (25), met near Konkuk University Station, said, "When Oh was mayor, he planned the 'Hangang Renaissance' to significantly redevelop this area. If Oh wins, I expect housing prices might rise." Kim (60), who has lived in Gwangjin-gu for 30 years, said, "Oh opposed free school meals. As someone who supports universal welfare, I will support candidate Go."