Park Young-sun Visits Noryangjin Fish Market on Last Election Day
Rides Bus 6411 from Guro-dong to Communicate with Citizens
"With Essential Workers Awakening Seoul's Dawn... I Want to Create a Seoul Where Truth Defeats Lies"
[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] "Today you came as a candidate for Seoul mayor, but I hope next time you come as the mayor of Seoul."
At 4:45 a.m. on the 6th, a day before the April 7 by-election, a Noryangjin auctioneer gave this blessing to Park Young-sun, the Democratic Party candidate for Seoul mayor, who chose Noryangjin Fish Market as her first campaign site on the last day of electioneering. Candidate Park responded with a smile.
On that day, to meet Seoul citizens who start their day early, Park boarded bus number 6411, known as the 'Noh Hoe-chan Bus,' departing from Guro-dong around 3:55 a.m., to gauge public sentiment at the grassroots level. An auctioneer at Noryangjin Fish Market said, "About 30,000 people gather daily at Noryangjin Fish Market, yet not a single COVID-19 case has been reported. Those who come to this blessed place will surely have their wishes fulfilled," expressing support for Candidate Park.
Starting from the auction hall at Noryangjin Fish Market, Park thoroughly visited every corner, including the live fish and fresh fish sales areas and the second-floor salted seafood section, greeting market merchants without exception. The blue sneakers she had worn since the start of her campaign were soaked while walking the fish market floor. Undeterred, Park said, "The situation is unpredictable," urging, "If you vote tomorrow, we will definitely win."
The 6411 bus Park took holds special meaning as it was mentioned by former Justice Party lawmaker Noh Hoe-chan in his 2012 party leader acceptance speech, pledging to work for citizens taking the first bus at dawn and marginalized groups.
At 4 a.m. that day, at the Guro-gu Street Park bus stop, Park said, "This bus is mainly used by essential workers and those who awaken Seoul at dawn," adding, "I want to think about ways to support essential workers so that their lives are no longer invisible," before boarding the bus.
Regarding criticism from Justice Party leader Yeo Young-guk, who called her appeal for support to Justice Party lawmaker Shim Sang-jung "shameless," Park said, "It was probably because of some disappointment with the Democratic Party," and added, "When former lawmaker Noh ran in Dongjak, I gave my all to support him. Also, during Justice Party by-elections, I sincerely helped almost every time without considering gains or losses." She emphasized again that although she could not attend on-site campaigns when Democratic Party lawmakers Lee Soo-jin and Kim Byung-gi ran, she canvassed every alley when Noh ran. This is interpreted as an attempt to soothe Justice Party’s grievances.
After finishing her visit to the fish market, Park told reporters, "I wanted to be with Seoul citizens who start their day early," recalling, "While riding the 6411 bus, known as the 'Noh Hoe-chan Bus,' from Guro-dong to in front of Noryangjin Fish Market Station, I had many conversations with Seoul citizens who begin their day at dawn."
She reflected, "Seeing the daily lives of those who start work at 1 a.m. for auctions and wholesale at the fish market, I thought I should carefully and humbly take care of the lives of ordinary people."
On the afternoon of the same day, Park planned to visit Gwanghwamun, Yeouido, Hongdae, and Yeonnam-dong, continuing her tight campaign schedule until after 9 p.m. on the last day of the election.
Park said, "I think the current situation is unpredictable as to which side will win," and emphasized, "I will do my utmost with all my strength until the last day."
Finally, she concluded, "I want to create a Seoul where truth triumphs over lies," and said, "I hope Seoul becomes a city where those who work diligently, do no harm to others, and live rightly are recognized."
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