[Going to the Hot Zone] Anyang Dongan, Ruling Party Spokesperson vs. Opposition Floor Leader 'Incumbent War'

Lee Jae-jung "Let's Create a New Anyang"
Shim Jae-chul "Solve Current Issues with 5-Term Power"
Justice Party's Chu Hye-sun Also Targets Young Generation

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jin-young] Anyang Dongan-eul is a fiercely contested district with a three-way race among incumbent lawmakers. The candidates competing for the seat are Lee Jae-jung, former spokesperson of the Democratic Party of Korea; Shim Jae-cheol, floor leader of the United Future Party; and Chu Hye-sun of the Justice Party, who has been at the forefront of labor issues. Given the candidates' recognition, residents are highly interested in who will seize the winning momentum in Dongan-eul.

"Sir, please take a photo with us!" On the 6th, a woman in her 30s who came with her child requested a photo from candidate Lee, who was campaigning at Jungang Park in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province. Lee happily took the photo while chatting with the child. His popularity was especially notable among young people in their 20s to 40s. Citizens often approached him first.

Photo by Lee Jae-jung Camp

In an interview with Asia Economy, candidate Lee said, "Citizens say now is the time to unite our strength," adding, "I feel sorry and also grateful to receive their support." He cited the aging of Anyang’s first-generation new town as an urgent issue. He added, "There is much to learn from candidate Shim, who has been chosen by citizens for 20 years, but now this city needs a candidate who will bring new plans."

"Leader, please win!" On the same day, a man in his 50s who spotted candidate Shim walking with a cane during a foot campaign approached him, showing the number two with his fingers and cheering him on. Shim bowed his head in thanks. Support from middle-aged and older voters was noticeable. Many middle-aged people expressed complaints like, "I voted for the Democratic Party, but life hasn't improved," while others cheered, "Win!" or asked for handshakes.

Photo by Sim Jae-cheol Camp

Candidate Shim said, "The economy is tough, and citizens are feeling very discouraged. Many express anger toward the Moon Jae-in administration." Regarding the local issue of relocating Anyang Prison, he emphasized, "Because it is a problem tangled between ministries, it requires the weight of a multi-term lawmaker and floor leader to solve." He also highlighted his presence as a five-term lawmaker, saying, "Citizens believe in what I say I will push forward."

On the same day, the Anyang Traditional Market Merchants Association held a support declaration ceremony for candidate Chu, stating she is "the only candidate who can save small business owners and self-employed people in Anyang, including Hogye General Market, which is in crisis due to redevelopment and reconstruction."

In Dongan-eul, voting tendencies varied by age. Since it is a three-way race with the Justice Party, some young voters showed a tendency to consider proportional representation parties, saying "Still, proportional representation goes to the Justice Party." Park, in his 20s, said, "I'm still deciding whether to vote for the Justice Party in proportional representation, but for the local district, it's the Democratic Party. I was drawn to candidate Lee Jae-jung’s detailed pledges." He added, "I don't have a favorable view of the United Future Party because of leader Hwang Kyo-ahn’s remarks on the 'Nth Room' case." Sung (67) said, "Looking at the hearings and how he works, he is very competent," and added, "I hope Lee Jae-jung wins this time."

On the other hand, Lee (89), who has consistently voted for candidate Shim in Anyang, said, "Shim Jae-cheol is a clean and driven person," adding, "He didn’t become floor leader for no reason. We should entrust Anyang to someone who works with drive." Jo, in his 70s, also said, "I have always voted for Shim Jae-cheol," and added, "President Moon Jae-in doesn’t like to talk about past issues. As always, I will support Shim Jae-cheol of the United Future Party."