Daegu's Young Voters Turn Cold... Opinions Split Over Han's Potential Candidacy

Discontent Erupts in Conservative Stronghold

Warning Signs Flash for the Entire Bloc

"Won't Vote for Anyone in the Election"

While the People Power Party is embroiled in internal conflict over the expulsion of former leader Han Donghoon and the controversy surrounding Jeol Yoon (absolute break with Yoon), public sentiment in Daegu, a traditional conservative stronghold, is freezing. In particular, cynicism among the younger generation is becoming more pronounced. As speculation mounts over Han's potential candidacy in the June 3 by-election, opinions are divided. Many voices express a mix of anger and resignation toward the conservative bloc as a whole.

On the morning of the 27th of last month, the scene in front of Daegu Seomun Market. Supporters are gathered as the official visit of Han Dong-hoon, former leader of the People Power Party, is scheduled. Photo by Kim Pyeonghwa

Young People in Daegu: "Not Interested... Deeply Disappointed"

On the 27th of last month, Han Donghoon made his first official move after being expelled, visiting Seomun Market in Daegu. When asked about Han's actions by a reporter that afternoon at the market, a woman in her 30s responded bluntly, "I don't like him at all." Asked if she supports the People Power Party, she replied, "To be honest, I have no interest in politics right now," and lamented, "I'm too busy trying to make a living."

This woman added, "Ordinary people are struggling like this, but those at the top seem to live well among themselves," and criticized, "If just one lawmaker's salary were cut, five or six ordinary people could make a living." She emphasized that her disappointment with the political establishment is significant and quickly left without taking further questions.

Many young people expressed similarly cynical views. Park (40), an employee at a clothing store in Seomun Market, said, "I'm not interested in politics," and complained, "When crowds gather in front of my shop because of politicians' visits, I have no choice but to close the store, which is just inconvenient." Kim (26), whom we met at Daegu Station, also remarked with a blank expression, "I don't really want to know about politics."

Mixed Reactions to Han's Potential Candidacy

Although Han Donghoon, who is rumored to run in the upcoming June by-election, made considerable efforts by choosing Daegu for his first official appearance after his expulsion, public sentiment in Daegu was divided. A middle-aged merchant running an underwear shop in Seomun Market, who wished to remain anonymous, firmly dismissed the possibility of Han's candidacy, saying, "There's no way that's going to happen." The merchant added in an agitated tone, "How do they see us?"

In contrast, Go (60), whom we met at Daegu Station, said, "If Han runs in the election, I'm in favor," and added, "I think a complete break with Yoon is necessary, and I support that." He continued, "It seems there are quite a few people in Daegu who support him," and explained, "While people are cautious about discussing politics, everyone around me feels the same way."

Former People Power Party leader Han Donghoon visited Daegu Seomun Market on the 27th of last month, where the market was bustling. Photo by Yonhap News

There were also quite a few people expressing dissatisfaction with the fractured state of the conservative political establishment. A senior merchant in Seomun Market, who requested anonymity, criticized, "Even if we stick together, it's hard enough to make a living-what are they doing?" and added, "Han Donghoon and Yoon Sukyeol are all the same." Sung (67), who runs a clothing store in the market, said, "Some are even saying we might as well lean toward the Democratic Party at this point."

Kim (62), who works at a restaurant inside Daegu Station, also expressed disappointment, saying, "It's not just Han Donghoon; the People Power Party itself is the problem," and added, "They're too busy fighting among themselves." He went on, "Our problem is that we just vote for the conservative party out of habit," and declared, "No matter who runs in this election, I won't vote and won't go to the polling station."

"Hope Han Runs in the By-Election" vs. "The Party Leadership Needs Support"

Meanwhile, on the same day, supporters of Han Donghoon and opposing factions faced off on opposite sides of the street at the entrance to the market. Before Han arrived, loud arguments broke out between the groups, ramping up the tension. Both sides made statements supporting either Han Donghoon or the leadership of the People Power Party at the scene.

Kim Jinsook (65), who said she came from Gyeongsan to support Han, commented, "The People Power Party does not represent conservatives," and added, "The opposition party can't play its role right now." She continued, "I hope Han runs in the by-election and works for us," and "With the country in turmoil, I hope he can help make things more stable."

On the other hand, Kim Hakno (75), who introduced himself as the chief representative of the Daegu National Salvation Struggle Headquarters, stated, "Han Donghoon's betrayal has brought the country to this state," and argued, "Because of Han, Yoon Sukyeol was impeached and the People Power Party collapsed." He added, "Jang Donghyuk should be given the opportunity to play a role in the party, but senior members keep causing instability."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.