[Report] "Character Matters" "Always People Power Party"... Gyeongju's Cold Public Sentiment

Lee Embarks on Regional Tour, but Local Sentiment Remains Cold
Middle-Aged and Older Residents Overwhelmingly Support People Power Party
Young Voters Also Show Low Preference for Democratic Party

"Most people around me say they support the People Power Party."

Lee Jae Myung, the Democratic Party candidate, is talking with citizens on a street in Yonggangdong, Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk. Photo by Lim Chun Han

On May 9, Lee Jae Myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, embarked on a tour of the Gyeongbuk region, which is considered a political stronghold for the opposition. However, the local sentiment remained cold.

Mr. Lee (45), whom we met in Yonggangdong, Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk, said, "I was originally thinking of not voting," and added, "Regardless of anything else, character is the most important, and I don't think this candidate is suitable to be president."

The majority of middle-aged and older residents said they do not support the Democratic Party. Mr. Kim (56), a lifelong resident of Gyeongju, stated, "Here, it's always the People Power Party. The opposition has never won here, and I think it will be the same this time." Mr. Koo (66), a self-employed business owner, said, "The People Power Party is strong in Gyeongju. There are even people around here who suspect election fraud," and added, "Everyone says they won't vote, but in the end, they go and cast their ballots." Mr. Yoon (65), a taxi driver, commented, "There are some people who support the Democratic Party, but this candidate is a different story. He has many ongoing trials, and judging by what he has done so far, people don't really like him."

Mr. Kang, a sandwich shop owner in his 50s, said, "My parents all vote for the People Power Party. I think all politicians are the same, and I don't side with anyone," and added, "I just hope they don't cause me any harm." He went on to say, "Small business owners are struggling because people aren't spending," and appealed, "I really hope they can revive the economy."

A citizen is walking down a street in Yonggangdong, Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk. Photo by Im Chunhan

The younger generation was also not favorable toward the candidate. Park (22), a university student, said, "Because this is Daegu-Gyeongbuk (TK), my parents support the People Power Party," and added, "I also do not agree with this candidate's welfare and distribution policies." Lee (23) said, "When I talk with friends from my childhood, none of them prefer this candidate. Most people who are native to Gyeongju will not vote for him."

There were also people who said they did not have a candidate to support or did not plan to vote. Jung (20), whom we met in Seokjangdong, Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk, said, "I'm thinking of voting, but I don't have a candidate I support yet. I will decide after looking at the candidates' pledges." Choi (20) said, "I'm not very familiar with politics," and added, "My parents say they won't vote."

Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk, has traditionally been a stronghold for the People Power Party. In the 20th presidential election, former President Yoon Suk Yeol received 123,196 votes (70.9%), while Lee Jae Myung received 43,031 votes (24.7%). In the 22nd general election, Kim Seok Ki of the People Power Party won 92,074 votes (64.7%), defeating Han Young Tae of the Democratic Party.

On this day, Lee Jae Myung toured the Gyeongbuk region as part of his "Listening Tour in Every Alley." Starting in Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk, where the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit is being held, he plans to visit Yeongcheon, Gimcheon, Seongju, and Goryeong in succession. This listening tour is Lee's last schedule to meet local voters before the official campaign period begins on May 12. Previously, Lee conducted the first listening tour in border regions and the Yeongdong area of Gangwon, and the second tour in southern Gyeonggi, Chungcheong, and Jeonbuk regions.