Battle for the Han River Belt: South Korea’s General Election Showdown

South Korean General Election: Battle for the Han River Belt

Key Propositions:

1. The ruling party has begun the candidate selection process for the “Han River Belt” constituency.

2. Opposition candidates are focusing on regions outside the “Han River Belt,” particularly in the Yeongnam region.

3. There is a perception that ruling party candidates from the “Han River Belt” have an advantage, while opposition candidates from non-“Han River Belt” regions have a chance to make progress.

4. Concerns have been raised about potential internal discord within the ruling party if the candidate selection process lacks a meticulous system.

5. Ha Tae-kyung and Lee Young have declared their candidacy in the “Han River Belt” constituency.

6. The ruling party believes that conservative sentiments are strengthening in areas such as Geumho 1-4 ga-dong and Oksu-dong, where new apartments have been built.

7. The opposition party’s candidate, Tae Young-ho, has declared his candidacy in the traditionally ruling party-dominant Seoul Guro district.

8. Various candidates from the opposition party have declared their candidacy in different regions.

9. The ruling party sees the “Han River Belt” as a strategic starting point to expand its influence throughout Seoul.

10. The ruling party is emphasizing the importance of economic revitalization in the selection of candidates.

11. Candidates from the ruling party’s faction related to the “Han River Belt” have not been prioritized in the candidate selection process.

12. Candidates who have declared their candidacy in the “Han River Belt” are facing difficulties.

13. Park Min-sik, a former minister, has expressed difficulties in his election campaign as a political newcomer in the Yeongdeungpo district.

14. The opposition party has seen a series of candidates declaring their candidacy, starting with Park Min-sik in Yeongdeungpo.

15. Former presidential secretary Kim Byung-wook has registered as a preliminary candidate in the Seongnam Bundang district.

16. Former government officials, such as Lim Jong-deok and Kang Seung-gyu, have also declared their candidacy in regions where ruling party members currently hold seats.

17. The ruling party aims to expand its influence from the “Han River Belt” to the entire Seoul through the candidate selection process.

18. The opposition party is actively presenting fresh alternatives by fielding candidates primarily in regions outside the “Han River Belt.”

19. Both parties are expected to engage in vigorous election campaigns to capture the hearts of voters.

20. The ruling party believes that the “Han River Belt” has the potential for victory in the upcoming presidential election.

21. The ruling party considers the “Han River Belt” as a key battleground for winning the capital region.

22. The “Han River Belt” was predominantly controlled by the opposition party in the previous general election.

23. The popularity of General Yoon, who is supported by the ruling party, was higher than that of opposition candidate Lee Jae-myung in the “Han River Belt” during the 2022 presidential election.

24. The ruling party’s strategy is to expand its influence from the “Han River Belt” to the entire Seoul.

25. The ruling party’s strategic goal is to revitalize the economy.

26. Candidates from the ruling party’s faction related to the “Han River Belt” are not being prioritized in the candidate selection process.

27. The opposition party is actively fielding candidates in regions outside the “Han River Belt.”

28. The ruling party believes that conservative sentiments are strengthening in areas such as Geumho 1-4 ga-dong and Oksu-dong.

29. The opposition party is focusing on the Yeongnam region, where candidates from the legal profession and former presidential aides have declared their candidacy.

30. The upcoming election is expected to be a fierce competition as both parties actively engage in election campaigns.

Source: DongA Ilbo