[General Election Battleground]⑪ Geyang-eul Big Match 'Myeongryong Battle'... Locals Say "Is Politics Just a Show..."

Central Political Clash Causes Fatigue Among Constituents
Expectation for Won Heeryong Amid Lee Jae-myung's Favorable Atmosphere
'Daejangdong Key Witness' Former Chief Yoo Dong-gyu Announces Candidacy

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, and Won Hee-ryong, former Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the People Power Party candidate for Gyeyang-eul, are seen shaking hands by chance at the Gyeyang Football Association's New Year's ceremony held on the morning of the 18th at Gyesan Sports Park soccer field in Gyeyang-gu, Incheon.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

There is an electoral district expected to become a hot topic as presidential-level candidates are anticipated to clash in the general election this April. It is the Incheon Gyeyang-eul district. The Gyeyang-eul district, which became a topic of interest when Lee Jae-myung, the former presidential candidate and leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, ran in the by-election held alongside the 8th local elections in 2022, has once again drawn nationwide attention as former Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Won Hee-ryong was confirmed as the People Power Party candidate. Yoo Dong-gyu, former Planning Director of Seongnam Urban Development Corporation and a key witness in the 'Daejang-dong scandal,' also criticized Lee and declared his candidacy in this area.

"Is politics just a show? It's not fun at all. I don't really have much expectation."

When asked which candidate he supports in this general election, Kim (79), a merchant met at Gyeyang-gu Gyesan Market on the 14th, said this. Having lived in this area for over 30 years, he conveyed the atmosphere by saying, "Everyone says they dislike whoever it is."

Many locals predicted the Democratic Party's dominance, possibly due to the traditionally strong Democratic Party sentiment in the area. Jeong (26), met at Gyeyangsan Traditional Market, said, "There is a mood around here to support the Democratic Party." Lee (60), a self-employed person, expressed support for Lee Jae-myung, saying, "No matter how close former Minister Won is to the president, I just can't vote for him."

On the 14th, local residents were shopping at Gyeyangsan Traditional Market located in Byeongbang-dong, Gyeyang-gu, Incheon. (Photo by Oh Ji-eun)

However, former Minister Won is intensively targeting the district and shaking the grassroots sentiment. Kim (65), a self-employed merchant at the market, said, "Because we've only voted for the Democratic Party, the area has been underdeveloped for 20 years," adding, "Former Minister Won often visits the market with two or three people, and it made me think he might have a chance. Since he is from the ruling party and was a Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, I hope he will develop this declining area."

Regarding Lee, who is facing several trials, residents showed completely opposite views depending on their support. A resident met at a shopping area said, "If you committed a crime, you should be punished. Even the president goes to jail." Another resident also said, "People with many crimes should pay the price." On the other hand, a taxi driver who identified as 'moderate conservative' said, "Lee is criticized for Daejang-dong and such, but which governor or mayor is without problems?" He added, "As a former public official, I know all those circumstances. There is no reason for Lee not to run in the election."

Gyeyang-eul, a traditional Democratic Party stronghold... Lee Jae-myung leads in polls

Recent polls and past election results show that Gyeyang-eul is a Democratic Party stronghold.

According to a poll conducted by Media Tomato commissioned by News Tomato targeting 1,000 voters aged 18 and over residing in Incheon Gyeyang-eul (using wireless telephone automated response system (ARS)), 49.1% of respondents expressed support for Lee, while 41.0% supported former Minister Won. Lee holds a lead beyond the margin of error (±3.1 percentage points), but the gap has narrowed compared to previous surveys. Earlier, a poll conducted by Hangil Research commissioned by Incheon Ilbo targeting 502 voters aged 18 and over residing in Incheon Gyeyang-eul over two days from the 1st to 2nd (using wireless ARS) showed 50.7% support for Lee, 34.3% for former Minister Won, 7.6% for other candidates, and 5.5% undecided. (For detailed survey outlines and results, refer to the Central Election Poll Deliberation Commission website.)

In the 2022 by-election held under nationwide attention, Lee recorded 55.2%, while Yoon Hyung-seon, then the People Power Party candidate, recorded 44.8%. In the election held immediately after his presidential defeat, Lee generally showed a strong performance in the Gyeyang-gu area.

The Myung-Won showdown is just beginning

On the 14th, an entrance standee of Representative Lee Jae-myung was set up inside Lee Jae-myung's local office located in Gyeyang-dong, Gyeyang-gu, Incheon. Behind it, there is a whiteboard with cheering messages from Representative Lee's supporters. (Photo by Oh Ji-eun)

The grassroots sentiment generally favors Lee's side. However, a weakness mentioned is that as party leader, Lee must campaign nationwide. The key point to watch is how much former Minister Won, who has the advantage of being a ruling party candidate and a former Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, can penetrate local sentiment. If former Minister Won narrows the gap in support, Lee's campaign range in the general election, which must operate on a national scale, may become limited. Former Minister Won is increasing his local recognition by displaying a circle (Won), the Korean character 'Hee,' and a dragon (Ryong) shaped drawing on the exterior wall of his office to promote his name 'Won Hee-ryong.' However, among People Power Party supporters, there were also voices expressing regret over Yoon Hyung-seon, former Gyeyang-eul party committee chairman, who was cut off (excluded from the primary) by the party's nomination committee. Kim, who has operated a vegetable store in the area, expressed regret, saying, "Former Chairman Yoon has worked hard all this time." Yoon has filed an objection with the party.

At around 3 p.m. on the 14th, a new banner was being posted on the wall of Won Hee-ryong's local office building located in Gyeyang-dong, Gyeyang-gu, Incheon. The previously hung large red banner featured a circle (won), the Korean character '희' (hee), and a dragon (ryong) illustration, while the newly posted banner contains words expressing former Minister Won's aspirations for his candidacy. Former Minister Won's local office is located about 200 meters from Gyeyang Station on Incheon Line 1. (Photo by Oh Ji-eun)

Regarding regional development, Lee's side has a plan to develop the Gyeyang area into a techno valley. A representative from Lee's side said, "Gyeyang New Town lacks a 3rd phase new town railway network. We intend to improve this," adding, "It is not designated as an urban high-tech industrial complex, but if infrastructure is established, it could become a competitive industrial complex." They also mentioned plans to ease and rationalize regulations related to green belts and military facilities such as ammunition depots.

Former Minister Won is emphasizing 'action' in his regional development pledges. A representative from Won's side said, "We will connect the Gangbuk downtown area (Incheon) and Gangnam downtown area (Seoul)," adding, "We will start construction within the term to extend the Daejang-Hongdae line to Gyeyang, and complete the connection of the Airport Railroad and Line 9, which directly links to Gangnam, within the term." They also said, "We will propose measures to alleviate city traffic congestion and reduce public transportation costs by half." Additionally, specific plans are being prepared regarding residential environment improvements.

On the 14th, a banner of the People Power Party Gyeyang-eul Party Member Council was posted near Dongyang Jugong Apartment located in Dongyang-dong, Gyeyang-gu, Incheon. The banner contains information that the 'Daejang Hongdae Line' railway plan has been extended to Dongyang-dong. (Photo by Oh Ji-eun)