10·16 By-elections, Han Dong-hoon and Lee Jae-myung 'Save Face'... Cho Kuk's Honam Challenge 'Frustrated'

Both Honam Regions Hold Firm for the Democratic Party
Busan Geumjeong and Incheon Ganghwa Maintain Their Democratic Strongholds

In the October 16 by-elections, Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People Power Party, and Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, successfully defended their strongholds, preserving their reputations. The challenge from Cho Kuk's Cho Kuk Innovation Party, which sought to establish a foothold in Honam, ended in failure for now.

According to the Central Election Commission's vote count as of midnight on the 17th, the winner of the highly anticipated re-election in Yeonggwang County, Jeonnam, was Democratic Party candidate Jang Se-il. Candidate Jang secured 41.0% of the votes, achieving a decisive victory over Jinbo Party candidate Lee Seok-ha (31.3%) and Cho Kuk Innovation Party candidate Jang Hyun (25.9%). The vote count rate in Yeonggwang County was 75.4%. In the already completed election in Gokseong County, Jeonnam, Democratic Party candidate Jo Sang-rae received 55.3% of the votes, significantly ahead of Cho Kuk Innovation Party candidate Park Woong-doo (35.9%).

On the afternoon of the 16th, when the 0·16 by-elections were held, Jang Se-il, the Democratic Party candidate who was confirmed to be elected in the re-election for Yeonggwang County Governor in Jeollanam-do, greeted supporters with a wreath around his neck along with his spouse, Jung Su-mi. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Initially, the by-elections, which involved only four basic local government heads, did not attract much attention. However, as the Cho Kuk Innovation Party aggressively sought to establish a presence in Honam, the focus shifted to whether the Democratic Party could maintain its stronghold in the region. With the people of Honam supporting the Democratic Party, Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party, was able to confirm the loyalty of Honam voters. On the other hand, this was a disappointing outcome for the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, which had aimed to strengthen its position in Honam through local engagement. Nevertheless, the party recorded a vote share well above the 15% threshold required for election expense reimbursement in the traditionally Democratic stronghold of Honam, suggesting some potential for the future.

The election for the mayor of Geumjeong District in Busan, known for its strong conservative base and showing a close race in opinion polls, ended in victory for the People Power Party.

On the afternoon of the 16th, when the October 16 by-elections were held, some supporters stayed at the Joguk Innovation Party election office in Yeonggwang-eup, Yeonggwang-gun, Jeollanam-do.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

With a vote count rate of 53%, People Power Party candidate Yoon Il-hyun secured 59.1% of the votes, making his election highly likely. The opposition parties, Democratic candidate Kim Kyung-ji and Cho Kuk Innovation Party candidate Ryu Je-sung, had formed a last-minute alliance to rally opposition votes, and controversies surrounding Myung Tae-kyun raised concerns about the stability of the People Power Party's stronghold. However, the People Power Party maintained a comfortable lead and secured a smooth victory, averting the crisis for now. Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People Power Party, actively canvassed the area, visiting Geumjeong six times, which was cited as a key factor in the victory.

Yoon Il-hyun, the People Power Party candidate for the Geumjeong-gu mayoral by-election, received a congratulatory call from Representative Han Dong-hoon as his victory became likely on the afternoon of the 16th at the Geumjeong-gu election office in Busan.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Having successfully extinguished the urgent fire, Han, whose leadership was under scrutiny, has now secured the influence to voice calls for personnel reshuffles in the presidential office. The People Power Party was also able to hold onto its stronghold in Ganghwa, Incheon. With a vote count rate of 85.3%, candidate Park Yong-chul leads with 50.7%, ahead of Democratic candidate Han Yeon-hee, who has 42.6%. Park Yong-chul is expected to win.