"이재명이 대통령이 되더라도 마 부산에서는 그래도 국민의힘을 더 많이 뽑지 않겠나. 그런데 국민의힘도 김문수랑 한덕수 단일화할 때 너무 했다. 그래도 보수를 뽑지 않겠나. 그렇지만 국민의힘도 너무하다. 나라가 우찌될라꼬."A 70-year-old taxi driver from Mungyeong, North Gyeongsang Province, living in Busan, said, “Even if Lee Jae-myung becomes president, Busan will probably still vote more for the People Power Party. But the People Power Party went too far in the unification with Kim Moon-soo and Han Duck-soo. Still, they would probably vote for the conservatives. However, the People Power Party is going too far. What’s going to happen to the country?”
As the 21st presidential election approaches in 20 days, public sentiment in Busan has shown unpredictable characteristics. The Busan and South Gyeongsang Province (PK) area is considered difficult to gauge during elections, similar to Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province (TK).
In the last general election held last year, a wave of 'government judgment' swept across the nation, resulting in a landslide victory for the Democratic Party of Korea. However, in Busan, they secured only one seat. Considering they held three seats in the previous 21st general election, this actually marks a decrease in the number of seats. In the 20th presidential election as well, Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party won 47.83% nationally, but in Busan, the vote rate was only in the 38% range.
Some Busan citizens said, "This time, we leaned toward Lee Jae-myung." In contrast, other citizens mentioned, "Nevertheless, Busan is conservative, so the support for the People Power Party will be strong." However, those who identified themselves as conservatives also did not hide their disappointment regarding the unification process of the People Power Party's presidential candidates.
◇Lee Jae-myung proposes 'transfer of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and HMM'... shaking blue balloons in response
On the third day since the official campaign started, on the 14th, Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party, began his election campaign schedule in Busan. During the morning, Lee surprised everyone by announcing, instead of 'transfer of the Industrial Bank,' that he would "transfer the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the shipping company HMM to Busan."
Supporters holding blue balloons and Busan citizens filled about 80 meters of Judith Tehwa Alley an hour before the candidate arrived. The police estimated that about 3,000 people were crowded at the campaign event.
Especially as reports emerged that threats against Lee had sharply increased lately, supporters who were cautious about safety stood out. On the round signs held by the supporters labeled 'Citizen Security Corps,' were written messages such as 'maintain a safety distance of 2m' and 'no signs or handshakes.'
Choi, 42, who said she took a day off to see the candidate, explained, "There's been a campaign going on recently primarily through YouTube" and added, "The blue balloon is one way to prevent targeting."
Park, 38, who lives in Ulsan, was holding a book titled "Ultimately, the People Do It" written by Lee. Park stated that he traveled for 1 hour and 30 minutes using public transportation to visit Busan. He mentioned that he had visited the campaign site in Ulsan the previous day but came to the Busan event to get his book signed.
Park noted about the current sentiment in PK, "These days, the atmosphere has leaned more toward the Democratic Party rather than the conservatives," and added, "He has been a loyal member of the Democratic Party since before he emerged within the party. I believe he has proven to be capable and competent, which is why I support him."
Jin, 52, who was watching the candidate's campaign while holding a blue balloon, also mentioned that he took a day off to attend the event. Jin said, "The support rate for the Democratic Party in Busan is very good," and added, "Even my parents' generation has transitioned a lot to the Democratic Party, and the elderly do not have a negative reaction toward the Democratic Party as before."
Jeong, 57, who introduced himself as part of the undecided voters, explained why he supports Lee in this election, saying, "The economic policy is the most significant reason," adding, "There's an expectation that he will approach the policies he presents with delicacy."
◇"There are no conservatives in this country"… Lee Jun-seok's expectations as well
There were also remarks that disappointment towards the People Power Party is so great that they have no choice but to support the Democratic Party. Jeong noted, "My father used to be a hard-working member of a conservative party," and continued, "The president committed an incomprehensible crime of illegal insurrection, yet exhibits no shame nor reflection on it."
He added, "There are no conservatives in this country at all," and stated, "In the current situation, I think the Democratic Party possesses the color of conservatism."
Kim, 66, a taxi driver in Busan, also stated that he identifies as a conservative yet mentioned, "Currently in Busan, the People Power Party and the Democratic Party are about even."
Kim pointed to the People Power Party as the reason, saying, "It's because of the two Kweon guys (Kweon Seong-dong and Kweon Young-se) in the People Power Party," and added, "Honestly, isn't Han Duck-soo being manipulated because he's clumsy? If Kim Moon-soo becomes president, he probably won't even get to run in the nominations later."
However, he remarked, "I dislike Lee Jae-myung. Isn't he a criminal?" continuing, "Look at how he treats the court. If Lee Jae-myung becomes president, he will likely rule for a long time."
A merchant in his 40s operating a takoyaki shop on Judith Tehwa Street stated, "I believe that the Democratic Party's support rate is 49%, while the People Power Party is at 51%," adding, "Even when something happens, don't the people still vote for the conservatives?"
A taxi driver, 70, originally from Mungyeong, identified his expectations for presidential candidate Lee Jun-seok of the Reform Party, stating, "I feel hopeful about Lee Jun-seok, but doesn't one need to be in their 50s after going through a presidential election at least three times?"
Merchants who met with Lee at Jagalchi Market cheered, saying, "It's good because he's young," "I waited over two hours just to shake hands," and "He's handsome," while one merchant remarked, "Please (do politics) for the people," and added, "The country is falling apart. Let's work hard," tapping Lee on the shoulder and offering kind words.
Some supporters advised, "Let's send Lee Jae-myung, the criminal away," or "Senior politicians, even if you don't like him, please don't pressure him too much."