From G-STAR to Ministry Relocation... Democratic Party Courts Busan Voters Ahead of Local Elections

Discussion on Key Budget and Regional Development Plans for Busan
Reviewing Budgets for Relocation of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and Pioneering the Arctic Shipping Route

With the June 3 local elections approaching next year, the Democratic Party of Korea has launched efforts to win the hearts of voters in Busan.

President Lee Jae-myung is experiencing Riot Games' "League of Legends" at the Gwangju Esports Stadium located at Chosun University in Dong-gu, Gwangju, during an esports industry field meeting held on the afternoon of May 17 this year, when he was a candidate for the 21st presidential election. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

On the 14th, Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheongrae held an on-site Supreme Council meeting in Busan, gathering opinions on the party's nomination rules for the local elections. In addition, he announced measures to support policies related to establishing Busan as a maritime capital, such as relocating the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to Busan, constructing the Gadeok New Airport, and pioneering the Arctic shipping route. Yoo Dongcheol, head of the Suyeong District branch in Busan, who had previously raised issues over being cut off from the Busan city party chair race and demanded an apology from Leader Jeong, was also present at the event.

Taking into account that "G-STAR 2025," the nation’s largest game exhibition, is being held at BEXCO in Busan from the 13th to the 16th, the party leadership will also hold an on-site meeting in the afternoon with officials from the Korea Association of Game Industry to discuss future strategies for the K-game industry. This year’s G-STAR, under the slogan "Expand Your Horizons," features over 1,200 game companies-including NCSoft, Krafton, Netmarble, and Blizzard-from 44 countries, unveiling new titles and technological advancements.

President Lee Jaemyung has demonstrated a pro-industry stance, making the promotion and development of the gaming industry a key pledge since the June 3 presidential election. The Democratic Party is also supporting President Lee’s commitment by launching a special committee for the game industry.

The previous evening, Leader Jeong posted a photo on social media showing himself deeply engaged in playing the game "StarCraft." He recalled, "During the 17th National Assembly, as a member of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee, I formed and chaired a parliamentary group for the development of esports and sponsored the Game Industry Act."

Meanwhile, the Democratic Party is aiming to reclaim the Busan mayoralty in the local elections. Potential candidates from the broader ruling bloc include Jeon Jaesoo, Minister of Oceans and Fisheries; Cho Kuk, former leader of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party; and Lee Jaeseong, head of the Democratic Party’s Saha District B branch in Busan.