[General Election Battleground](17) "What power does a first-term lawmaker have?" VS "Still, Gyeongsan is People Power Party"

Former Deputy Prime Minister Choi Kyung-hwan Runs as Independent in Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk
Party or Candidate? Voters Face Tough Choice

"A first-term (assembly member) wouldn't go around bragging that they brought money and pocketed it themselves. Honestly, Choi Kyung-hwan has already been verified." (Taxi driver Han, 55 years old)

"People should vote for Jo Ji-yeon of the People Power Party. We need younger people and change. Are we going to keep electing the same people all the time?" (Choi, 58 years old, resident of Gyeongsan)

On the 21st, citizens were waiting for Han Dong-hoon, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, and Jo Ji-yeon, People Power Party candidate (Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk), at the Gyeongsan Public Market in Gyeongbuk.
[Photo by Choi Young-chan]

On the 21st, voters met in Gyeongsangbuk-do Gyeongsan and were torn between the candidate and the party. Choi Kyung-hwan, a four-term incumbent running as an independent in Gyeongsan, has already been verified, but the lack of party affiliation was seen as a disadvantage. Jo Ji-yeon, a first-term candidate from the People Power Party, lagged behind Choi in recognition and experience but had the strong backing of the People Power Party. In Gyeongsan, a traditionally conservative area, the competition is expected to be tight with two conservative-leaning candidates running.

Jeon, in his 60s, who runs a vegetable store at Gyeongsan Public Market, expressed doubts about Jo’s competitiveness. He said, "What power would a first-term have? Since Choi is from Gyeongsan, wouldn’t he do a lot for the development of Gyeongsan?" He added, "Choi is now running for his fifth term and has done quite a bit. Since Choi has done a lot of work, isn’t he better than our young lady (Jo)?"

Another Jeon, in his 70s who runs a dried seafood store and was listening nearby, said, "Even if Han Dong-hoon comes, many say that girl (Jo) won’t make it. Choi has done a lot even after going to jail, so all the villagers say they will vote for Choi."

Choi Kyung-hwan Candidate (Independent · Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk) Election Office.
[Photo by Choi Young-chan]

Although there was a strong trust in Choi, several voters also felt the need to support the People Power Party. Park, 71, who recently moved from Daegu to Gyeongsan, said, "I don’t know much about Jo, but I vote based on the party (People Power Party), not the person."

Lee, 71, who was waiting for Han Dong-hoon, the emergency committee chairman of the People Power Party, at the public market, said, "In Gyeongsan, it’s obviously the People Power Party. If Chairman Han’s wave blows, who knows what will happen." He explained, "Independents don’t do well in Gyeongsan. Even if an independent candidate enters the assembly, there would be restrictions in standing committee activities."

Choi still holds the advantage... Opinions divided over 'possibility of rejoining the party'

Nevertheless, it is expected to be difficult for Jo to catch up with Choi’s recognition and experience. According to a poll conducted by Hankyoreh on June 11-12, commissioned to Gallup Korea, surveying 500 men and women aged 18 and over residing in Gyeongsan, North Gyeongsang Province, Jo received 32% support while Choi received 42%, a 10 percentage point gap outside the margin of error (±4.4 percentage points). In a question about the likelihood of winning, Choi led with 47% compared to Jo’s 33%, a 14 percentage point difference. This is interpreted as reflecting Choi’s recognition as a former Deputy Prime Minister and his long-standing activity in Gyeongsan.

Kim, in his 30s, who has seen Choi work as a local assembly member since childhood, said, "I remember Choi doing a lot to develop the Gyeongsan and Cheongdo areas. The People Power Party says it will block the rejoining of independents, but Choi didn’t apply for nomination, so it doesn’t apply to him."

Choi’s camp believes that if he wins this election, rejoining the People Power Party is possible. Choi, who left the Liberty Korea Party during the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye, said in a video posted on his personal blog, "After the election, everyone will join the party as if nothing happened," adding, "Hong Joon-pyo did it, and Joo Ho-young did it too." He expressed confidence that he could join the People Power Party if he wins the general election.

On the 21st at Gyeongsan Public Market, (from left) Han Dong-hoon, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, candidate Jo Ji-yeon (Gyeongbuk Gyeongsan), and floor leader Yoon Jae-ok are campaigning in front of citizens.
[Photo by Choi Young-chan]

On the other hand, Chairman Han has clearly stated that there will be no rejoining for independent candidates. During his visit to the public market that day, Han said, "Everyone, don’t be mistaken. I am telling you clearly. Our principle is not to allow rejoining for independent candidates." Jo also emphasized in an interview with reporters after finishing her schedule at the public market, "Today, Chairman Han said there will absolutely be no rejoining and that he will keep his promise."