Opening of Cheongwadae 'Jongno', What Impact Will It Have? [June 1 Local Election Battleground ⑦]

Democratic Party Shows Strength with Three Consecutive Local Election Wins
Atmosphere Began to Change Since Last Year
This Year's Presidential Election Also Favored People Power Party

On the 23rd, Cheongwadae in Jongno-gu, Seoul, was bustling with visitors. The Cultural Heritage Administration began additional public access to the State Guest House and the interior of the Chunchoogwan among the facilities within the grounds from this day, marking two weeks since Cheongwadae was opened to the public. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kum Bo-ryeong] Jongno-gu, Seoul, known as the "political hotspot," is a place highly sensitive to the political climate, often referred to as an "election barometer." The Democratic Party of Korea has shown dominance for about a decade, winning three consecutive local elections. However, in the last presidential election and last year's Seoul mayoral by-election, the People Power Party emerged victorious. With the incumbent district mayor barred from a third term, the seat is now vacant, leading to fierce competition between the two major parties. In particular, there is keen interest in how the opening of the Blue House will influence the election.

According to the National Election Commission on the 24th, four candidates are running for the Jongno-gu district mayor election: Yoo Chan-jong from the Democratic Party of Korea, Jeong Moon-heon from the People Power Party, Ryu Seung-gu from the Korea Party, and Go Nam-cheol as an independent candidate.

For some time, public sentiment in Jongno leaned toward the Democratic Party. Looking only at local elections, Democratic candidates won in 2010, 2014, and 2018. The results were similar in the National Assembly elections. From the 2012 general election through 2016 and 2020, the Democratic Party maintained the upper hand.

The atmosphere shifted starting last year. In the Seoul mayoral by-election, Oh Se-hoon of the People Power Party secured 55.24% of the vote, significantly ahead of Park Young-sun of the Democratic Party, who received 41.26%. In the recent presidential election, Yoon Seok-youl of the People Power Party garnered 49.48%, surpassing Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party, who had 46.42%. On the same day, in the National Assembly by-election, Choi Jae-hyung of the People Power Party was elected with 52.09% of the vote.

In this election, the opening of the Blue House is expected to be a decisive factor in public sentiment. Previously, development was suppressed due to regulations related to the Blue House, but there is growing optimism that the area can now advance further.

Considering this situation, both the Democratic Party and the People Power Party have nominated candidates well-versed in Jongno. Candidate Yoo previously served as a Jongno district council member and Seoul city council member and has built a local base through roles such as chairman of the Saemaeul Geumgo Jongno branch. His pledges include improving the traffic system around the Blue House and creating a barrier-free walking trail on Inwangsan Mountain. Candidate Jeong was born in Jongno, graduated from Joongang Middle School and Kyungbock High School, and is a former two-term National Assembly member. His campaign promises include revitalizing the commercial district and gallery tours around the Blue House and establishing a cultural tourism belt connecting the Blue House, Songhyeon-dong, and Jongmyo Shrine.