"Save Lee Jae-myung" vs "Need a Respectable Senior" Gwangsan-eul Election Draws Hot Interest in Gwangju

Democratic Party Dominates Gwangju Region, Nationwide Interest Rises with Lee Nak-yeon’s Candidacy
"An Election Worth Watching for Its Candidates and Policies" Opinions Also Expressed

'Winning the Democratic Party primary means winning the election.' This is a phrase that often comes up during election season in Gwangju, known as the stronghold or heartland of the Democratic Party of Korea. Since the Democratic Party is so dominant in this region, the primary election period is more intense and attracts more attention than the general election period.

Because of this, Gwangju usually receives little attention after the Democratic Party primaries conclude, but one of the eight electoral districts is gaining nationwide interest. It is the Gwangsan-gu (Eul) electoral district in Gwangju.

Perhaps because the call for replacing incumbents had already taken hold early on, all seven other electoral districts in Gwangju except Gwangsan-gu (Eul) saw their incumbent lawmakers defeated by challengers in this Democratic Party primary, which was the biggest local issue in this election.

The survival of Gwangsan-gu (Eul) and its rise as a nationally watched area came after Lee Nak-yeon, co-chair of Saeroun Mirae, announced his candidacy for this general election in Gwangsan-gu (Eul).

Recent polls show that the incumbent Democratic Party candidate Min Hyung-bae is significantly ahead of Lee Nak-yeon. Min’s camp argues, "With a difference of over 40%, it makes no sense to call this a battleground."

On the other hand, Lee’s camp maintains a firm stance, saying, "Change is beginning, especially among the younger generation." Gwangsan-gu in Gwangju is the youngest area in the city, with an average resident age of 39.5 years. Notably, the new towns of Cheomdan and Suwan, known for having many young residents including newlyweds, fall within the Gwangsan-gu (Eul) electoral district.

On the weekend of the 30th, the first weekend after the official campaign began on the 28th, citizens visiting Suwan Lake Park under the warm sunlight had differing opinions about the two candidates.

Kim (42), who came for a walk with his 6-year-old son, said, "I have a negative perception of Min Hyung-bae due to his rude remarks and his cunning resignation from the party. For Gwangju to develop and gain strength, a dignified senior lawmaker is needed. I believe Lee Nak-yeon can fulfill that role."

Jung (51), walking along the trail holding his wife’s hand, said, "It is absurd that Lee Nak-yeon, who left the Democratic Party causing division and controversy, is now trying to run in Gwangju. What we need now is Min Hyung-bae, who can support Lee Jae-myung and help judge the current government."

There were also citizens who expressed cold opinions toward both candidates.

Sung (55), a resident of Cheomdan district, said, "Looking at this Democratic Party nomination, I am stunned at Lee Jae-myung. He has only turned the party into a shield for himself. But everyone knows what Lee Nak-yeon’s image was when he was a presidential candidate. This time, I am even considering whether I should go to the voting booth for the first time."

There are also voices from the moderate voters who have not yet decided whom to vote for. Kim (66), who has run a restaurant for 30 years, said, "To stop the Yoon Seok-yeol government, we need to empower the Democratic Party, and Min Hyung-bae was the most combative lawmaker against the current government in the 21st National Assembly. However, Lee Nak-yeon, with his weighty drive, experience, and wisdom, seems well-suited to represent Gwangju’s voice."

A citizen who spoke first to the press said, "In my life’s stronghold, which is all Democratic Party, this election has become a rare occasion for real consideration," emphasizing, "I will truly vote based on the candidates and their policies in this Gwangsan-gu (Eul) election."

Meanwhile, five candidates are campaigning for a seat in the National Assembly in Gwangsan-gu (Eul): Min Hyung-bae (Democratic Party of Korea), Ahn Tae-wook (People Power Party), Kim Yong-jae (Green Justice Party), Lee Nak-yeon (Saeroun Mirae), and Jeon Ju-yeon (Progressive Party).