Independent candidate Han Dong-hoon pulled ahead in the final stretch to win the Busan Buk-gap National Assembly by-election. Ha Jung-woo of the Democratic Party of Korea, who had been holding first place, was overtaken by Han.
According to the National Election Commission, as of 2:02 a.m. on the 4th with 99.51% of the votes counted, winner Han Dong-hoon had a vote share of 42.99%. Ha Jung-woo stood at 41.24%, a gap of just 1.75 percentage points (p). The difference in votes was 1,425.
Winner Han Dong-hoon told reporters, "I sincerely thank the great citizens of Buk-gu, who opened the way for the future of Buk-gu and the rebuilding of the conservative camp with a historic victory," adding, "We will rein in the Lee Jae-myung administration's runaway and restore Korea's balance."
Ha Jung-woo also told reporters, "I lacked a lot in effort and preparation," adding, "Residents of Buk-gu both reproached and encouraged me, and I think that will be an important asset to me."