Political Battle Erupts in Songpa-gu’s Helio City Incident

Songpa-gu’s “Helio City Incident” Sparks Political Battle

A recent incident involving Representative Bae Hyeon-jin in the Helio City apartment complex has ignited a political conflict in the Songpa-gu district. Known for its high concentration of high-income residents, Songpa-gu is considered to have a conservative leaning. However, there are significant differences in political preferences among different neighborhoods.

Diverse Political Leanings in Songpa-gu

Neighborhoods such as Seokchon, Samjeon, and Garak 1-dong, located near Garak Market, tend to support progressive parties. On the other hand, areas near Jamsil Station, Gwanggyo Intersection, and residential hubs like Jamsil 2-dong and Munjeong 2-dong have a strong conservative support base.

Intense Competition in Past Elections

Over the past three general elections (19th to 21st), Songpa-gu has witnessed fierce competition due to its diverse political preferences. Candidates have engaged in heated battles, often with a narrow margin of around 5% difference between the top two contenders.

Conservative Voting History

In the 17th, 18th, and 19th general elections, Songpa-gu consistently leaned towards conservative parties. However, in the 20th general election, the Democratic Party of Korea (Minjoo Party) succeeded in winning the district.

Impact of Helio City on Election Results

The Helio City apartment complex, which was rebuilt from the Garak City Apartments, has played a significant role in shaping the political outcomes in Songpa-gu. In the 2018 by-election, Minjoo Party candidate Choi Jae-seong defeated former MBC announcer and Liberty Korea Party candidate Bae Hyeon-jin.

Upcoming Elections and Expected Candidates

In the upcoming election, it is expected that former announcer Bae Hyeon-jin will run as a candidate for the Bareunmirae Party. The Democratic Party of Korea has Park Ji-hyeon, the former emergency preparedness committee chairman, expressing his intention to run in the Songpa-gu district. The party plans to determine its candidate through a three-way competition between Park Ji-hyeon, Song Ki-ho, and Hong Sung-ryong.

Conclusion

The Helio City incident has not only captured public attention but also triggered a fierce political battle in Songpa-gu. With its diverse regions and varying political leanings, Songpa-gu remains an interesting battleground where different parties compete for support.

Source: Dong-A Ilbo