Jung Chung-rae of the Democratic Party of Korea visited Gupo Market in Buk District, Busan, on the 3rd to help campaign for Ha Jung-woo, who is running in the Busan Buk-gap National Assembly by-election.
Jung spent about an hour touring Gupo Market with Ha and Busan Buk District chief candidate Jung Myung-hee, listening to the grassroots sentiment in Busan. Jung and Ha shared an umbrella as they moved, took photos with residents, went into a butcher shop to slice fresh meat together, and engaged with merchants and residents.
When Jung composed a three-line acrostic using Ha's name, saying, "Ha Jung-woo is a warmhearted, proud son of ours," Ha bowed his head and expressed thanks with applause.
After finishing the schedule, Jung met with reporters and said, "Residents welcomed us very enthusiastically, and interest in Ha was extremely high. It felt like a hero's welcome for a son who left his hometown, made good, and returned."
Jung added, "Interest in Ha is so intense, and I confirmed today that his favorability is very high," emphasizing, "We, too, love Buk District passionately, but we will work hard to the end with a very humble and modest attitude without losing that spirit."
Jung went on, "Under the banner of 'Busan, the maritime capital' put forward by Chun Jae-soo, the mayoral candidate, the Democratic Party will do everything it can," adding, "With the resolve to become the 'do-anything-for-you center director,' we will work hard until residents say okay."
Ha said, "When I first visited Gupo Market, many residents at the market welcomed me, and today some said, 'It's great to see you often,' while others asked, 'Why are you only coming now?' and welcomed me," adding, "I will not forget my original intention and will visit with humility and a low posture."
Meanwhile, independent candidate Han Dong-hoon was also at Gupo Market around the same time, but did not run into Jung or Ha and their group.