Three candidates for the Busan Buk-gu-gap by-election opened their campaign offices on the same day in the same district [1].
The simultaneous events highlight the intensity of the race in a key battleground region. Because this district is considered a central contest in the upcoming by-election, candidates are utilizing high-visibility openings to appeal directly to voters [1], [2].
Ha Jung-woo (D) scheduled his office opening for 3 p.m. [3]. During the event, Ha said that he would do his best for Buk-gu and would negotiate with the president if necessary [2].
Meanwhile, Park Min-shik (PPP) and independent candidate Han Dong-hoon began their respective opening ceremonies earlier at 2 p.m. [3]. The proximity and timing of these events created a confrontational atmosphere, described by local media as a "fire-fighting" or rival opening [2].
Won Young-seop, former head of the People Power Party's media legal team, said the area is one of the most important locations among the current by-elections [2].
The by-election is scheduled for June 3, 2026 [1], coinciding with local elections. The candidates are focusing their efforts on the Buk-gu-gap district to secure a strategic advantage in the regional political landscape [1], [2].
“"필요하면 대통령과 담판…북구 위해 최선"”
The decision by three major candidates to launch their campaigns almost simultaneously in a single district suggests that Busan Buk-gu-gap is a critical bellwether for the 2026 elections. By clustering their office openings, the candidates are not only competing for voter attention but are also engaging in a symbolic display of strength and presence to intimidate rivals and energize their respective bases.
