Three candidates opened their election offices on Sunday in Busan's Buk-gap district to begin campaigning for the National Assembly by-election [1].
These simultaneous launches signal the start of a competitive race in the Buk-gu region. The outcome of this by-election will serve as a critical barometer for party support in the region as candidates vie for a seat in the National Assembly.
Ha Jung-woo, representing the Democratic Party, held an opening ceremony for his campaign office on May 10, 2026 [1], [2]. The event served as the official launch of his bid to represent the constituency [1], [3].
Ha was not the only candidate to establish a physical campaign presence on Sunday. Park Min-sik, running as an independent, and Han Dong-hoon of the People Power Party also opened their respective offices on the same day [1].
The coordinated timing of these openings reflects the high stakes of the Busan Buk-gap race. Each candidate is now utilizing these offices as hubs for voter outreach, and strategic planning within the district [1], [4].
While the candidates have established their headquarters, the specific platforms and policy debates are expected to intensify as the election date approaches. The presence of both major party representatives and an independent candidate suggests a fragmented but active electoral landscape in Buk-gu [1], [2].
“Three candidates opened their election offices on Sunday in Busan's Buk-gap district.”
The simultaneous opening of offices by the Democratic Party, People Power Party, and an independent candidate indicates a highly contested by-election. This race is significant because it tests the regional influence of the major parties in Busan, a traditional stronghold for conservative interests, against the Democratic Party's efforts to expand its reach.
