[Report] One Vote on the Commute to Elect Gangseo-gu Mayor... "Regime is Annoying" vs "Candidate Who Works Well"

By-election for Gangseo District Mayor on the 11th
Ruling Party Support: "Candidate to Continue Good District Administration"
Opposition Support: "Ruling Party Going Too Far"

On the morning of the main vote for the Seoul Gangseo District Mayor by-election, which began at 6 a.m. on the 11th, voters continued to arrive at the Gwagok 8-dong polling station in the chilly weather before dawn. In front of the polling station, some Gangseo residents were seen taking 'voting certification shots' by turning on their phone flashlights to brighten the dark surroundings. One voter, seemingly surprised by the larger-than-expected crowd, said, "I can't tell if these are people going to work or people voting."

With the general election for the National Assembly scheduled for April next year, this election serves as the last chance to gauge public sentiment in the metropolitan area. The candidates are Jin Gyo-hoon of the Democratic Party of Korea and Kim Tae-woo of the People Power Party. Minor party candidates such as Kwon Soo-jung of the Justice Party, Kwon Hye-in of the Progressive Party, Kim Yu-ri of the Green Party, and Go Young-il of the Liberty Unification Party are also awaiting the choice of Gangseo residents.

On the 11th, the day of the by-election for the Mayor of Gangseo-gu, Seoul, voters are casting their ballots at the 9th polling station in Banghwa 1-dong, Gangseo-gu, Seoul. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

Since Gangseo is considered a stronghold of the Democratic Party, citizens who voted for Jin Gyo-hoon were noticeable near the polling stations that day. In the 2022 presidential election, Gangseo recorded a Democratic Party vote share of 49.17%, surpassing the People Power Party's 46.97%. In the 2020 general election, Democratic Party candidates in Gangseo Gap, Eul, and Byeong districts all defeated the then United Future Party candidates by more than 10 percentage points.

A mother and her daughter, who had stayed up all night studying for retaking exams, came to vote together and called for a judgment on the current administration. The daughter, Kim (19), said, "I do not support the president," and her mother, Ms. Kim (45), added, "I usually support the Democratic Party, but it makes no sense for (Kim Tae-woo of the People Power Party) to run again."

There were also voters who had no party preference but expressed disappointment with the ruling party. Mr. Lee (53), who voted on his way to work, said, "I don't usually support the Democratic Party, but the ruling party needs to be judged." Mr. Lee (60), who voted with his wife right at 6 a.m., also said, "I'm not a Democratic Party supporter, but I find the current administration's actions annoying."

This election was held following the confirmation of a guilty verdict against the previous Gangseo District Mayor, Kim Tae-woo, in May, leading to a predominantly negative evaluation of the ruling party.

Mr. Lee said, "Kim Tae-woo was tried in court, and I don't think anyone who has been tried has run again before." Regarding the hotline among the ruling party's Gangseo District Mayor, Seoul Mayor, and President, he said, "Hasn't it been like that every time the administration changes? Are you saying the opposition should never be elected?" and waved his hand dismissively. Mr. Kang Tae-jun (67), who revealed he was a member of the then Hannara Party during the Park Geun-hye administration, said, "This is the first time I've voted for a candidate from another party," adding, "If (Kim) has already served once, he shouldn't run this time. Politicians need to have a conscience."

On the other hand, citizens supporting Kim of the People Power Party emphasized that he is a 'competent person.' Mr. Hong (67) said, "Kim did a good job before. There was redevelopment here," and expressed hope that "he can resume what he was doing within a few months." He explained, "The airport area is also aging, and residents will consider that a lot when voting." Mr. Jung (72), who participated in voting early in the morning, said, "I came to vote because I support the People Power Party," and added, "In the last local election, I also voted for a candidate who seemed capable," before quickly heading to work.

What citizens most want from the new district mayor is 'economic vitality.' Ms. Park (47) said, "Of course, I want redevelopment from the district mayor," but laughed, saying, "Everyone includes it in their pledges, but I don't know if it will happen." Mr. Chae (65), who has lived in Gangseo for 36 years, said, "Quality of life is important. This area is too underdeveloped, so it needs to improve the quality of life."

However, there were concerns that redevelopment and reconstruction might harm tenant residents. Mr. Yoo (41), who worked overnight and voted on his way home, emphasized, "Even if they develop, the people in this neighborhood will be pushed out anyway. Even if they build apartments, villa residents will be displaced to other places."