[Report] "It Seems the Tide Has Turned, but"... Suwon, the 'Political Heartland,' Still Undecided

Lee Jaemyung and Kim Moonsoo, both former Gyeonggi Governors
Lee Junseok also pins hopes on his local constituency
Merchants weighed down by economic slump and political disappointment
"It's hard enough to make a living, who cares about the election?"

"Martial law itself was wrong, but if things tilt too much to one side..."

On May 16, at Jidong Market in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, Kim Byungkuk (55), who runs an oil shop, was reserved when asked if he had a candidate he supported in the upcoming presidential election. He believes that the ruling party, which is responsible for the 12·3 Martial Law Incident, should be replaced, but he has not yet decided on a candidate to support.

Yonhap News Agency

Kim Moonsoo, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, visited Suwon on the first day of his campaign in the Seoul metropolitan area. Suwon, aside from metropolitan cities, is the most populous city in South Korea and is often referred to as the political heart of Gyeonggi Province. Both presidential candidates, Lee Jaemyung and Kim Moonsoo, previously served as governors of Gyeonggi Province, where the provincial government office is located in Suwon. This means Suwon citizens have already experienced the administrative abilities of both candidates.

During the 20th presidential election, candidate Lee Jaemyung recorded a 50.9% vote share in Gyeonggi Province. In Suwon, he led his competitors in all districts: Jangan-gu, Gwonseon-gu, Paldal-gu, and Yeongtong-gu. For this election, Lee Jaemyung's camp is also aiming to secure a decisive advantage in Gyeonggi Province. On the other hand, Kim Moonsoo is openly optimistic, as Gyeonggi Province is considered his political home base. Lee Junseok, the Reform New Party's presidential candidate, also considers Gyeonggi Province non-negotiable, as he is a National Assembly member representing Hwaseong in the province.

On the morning of the 16th, I visited Yeongdong Market in Suwon. Photo by Yuri Choi yrchoi@

This is why there is so much attention on which way public sentiment will turn ahead of this early presidential election. However, the election fever is not particularly strong. Even though Kim Moonsoo visited the site and declared, "I will become a president for the people's livelihood and revive the market," not many people gathered in front of the plaza. Most people listened from a distance with their arms crossed. A man in his 70s managing parking at the market commented critically, "Once the election season is over, will they even think about ordinary people?"

A passerby questioned a reporter, "It's hard enough to make a living, so why are you talking about elections and interviews?" The owner of a supermarket, witnessing this, said, "Business is so bad that everyone is on edge." Jo Okgim (67), who does clothing alterations at the market, sighed, "There are no customers, so it's even harder than during the financial crisis."

On the morning of the 16th, I visited Jidong Market in Suwon. Photo by Yuri Choi yrchoi@

Among citizens who did state their support, most said they leaned toward the candidate they disliked less. Jo Seongun (81), who has run a restaurant in Suwon for 12 years, said, "I feel that Lee Jaemyung is crossing the line both morally and legally," expressing support for Kim Moonsoo. On the other hand, Lee Geonsik (41), a taxi driver who leans toward Lee Jaemyung, questioned, "In this day and age, how could martial law ever work?"

Since both candidates previously served as governors of Gyeonggi Province, their records in that role also influenced voters' opinions. Um Taehui (70), who runs an underwear shop, said about Kim Moonsoo, "While the development of Gwanggyo led to some decline in Suwon's city center, I think the Gwanggyo New Town project during Kim Moonsoo's term as governor was well done." A self-employed person in their 30s, who requested anonymity, said, "What stands out from Lee Jaemyung's time as governor is how he cleaned up all the illegal platforms in places like Pocheon," giving him high marks for his drive and determination.