[Going to the Battleground] "Victory Here Decides Daejeon’s Fate" Tight Race in Daejeon Jung-gu

Daejeon Jung-gu
Hwang Unha, Former Police Chief Symbolizing 'Prosecution Reform'
District Mayor and Assemblyman Lee Eun-kwon, 'Local Expert'

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] Chungcheong has traditionally been a region where it is difficult to gauge public sentiment until just before voting. Because of this, Chungcheong has always played the role of a "swing voter" in national elections. This general election is no different. While the Democratic Party shows strong support in Honam and the United Future Party is dominant in Yeongnam, Daejeon, the heart of Chungcheong, especially Jung-gu, is witnessing an extremely close race. In particular, the contest between Hwang Unha, the Democratic Party candidate symbolizing the administration's "prosecutorial reform," and Lee Eun-kwon, the United Future Party candidate with deep local roots, serves as a litmus test for Chungcheong public sentiment.

On the 8th, Lee, campaigning with morning greetings at Busao Intersection in Jung-gu, Daejeon, expressed strong confidence when asked about grassroots sentiment, saying, "I will win."

Both Lee and Hwang are alumni of Seodaejeon High School. Lee, who is four years senior, entered politics after graduating from Dankook University by serving as an aide to former National Assembly Speaker Kang Chang-hee. He later served as mayor of Jung-gu, Daejeon, and entered the National Assembly in 2016, earning recognition for his expertise and organizational skills in the region.

Lee emphasized that he is an expert who knows the region better than anyone else. He said, "Having protected this area for 50 years, I have been evaluated as someone who works harder than anyone else during my time as mayor and assemblyman," adding, "Local elders have said, 'If he loses to the opposing candidate, I will go out and die,' which shows the positive atmosphere."

Lee also raised his voice regarding Hwang's "police status." He pointed out, "The election commission's interpretation that his candidacy is allowed applies to special cases, such as when an incumbent mayor refuses to accept the resignation of a deputy mayor to block their candidacy," adding, "It is unacceptable for a public official to run for office and campaign while still in service."

Hwang, former chief of the Daejeon Police Agency, still maintains his status as a police officer. Although he applied for dismissal from his position to run in the general election, the acceptance of his resignation has not been decided due to his indictment on charges including violation of the Public Official Election Act related to allegations of ordered investigations and election interference during his tenure as chief of the Ulsan Police Agency.

Regarding this, Hwang dismissed concerns, saying, "There is no problem at all, and there is precedent." During his campaign at Yongdu Market in Jung-gu, Daejeon, he stated, "The current situation of my police status is not something I caused. It is a disadvantage resulting from the prosecution's indictment," emphasizing, "Voters will not be fooled by attacks focusing on my police status."

Hwang also confidently predicted his victory. He said, "At first, I sensed worry or curiosity from local residents about whether I would run or not," adding, "But now, I hear a lot that Jung-gu needs to change for its development."

Public sentiment was as divided as the candidates' confidence. A woman in her 60s met in front of NC Department Store said, "I support Hwang because there is hope that something can change," emphasizing, "I also support him more because I think the current government is handling the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) response well."

On the other hand, a man in his 70s met at Busao Intersection said, "I absolutely cannot trust the poll results. When I meet people in the neighborhood, many say there is a 10% margin of error," raising his voice, "We must judge the mistakes of this government that started with the 'Cho Kuk incident.'"