Jeonnam Suncheon Mayoral Race: Party vs. Individual

"The Democratic Party is reliable," "We vote based on individuals, not parties."

The public sentiment in Suncheon, ahead of the 6.3 local elections, is sharply divided.

Suncheon is solidifying its position as the undisputed No. 1 city in Jeonnam, surpassing its neighbor Yeosu in population and local government financial scale.

Despite being a region that represents Jeonnam, a 'stronghold' of the Democratic Party, the results of past mayoral elections have often defied expectations.

In the nine mayoral elections held so far, including one by-election, up to the 8th term of local autonomy, candidates from Democratic Party-affiliated parties won five times, while independent candidates won the remaining four times.

The eastern region of Jeonnam, represented by Yeosu, Suncheon, and Gwangyang, has a strong atmosphere of emphasizing pragmatism over specific factions or ideologies, with the influx of population from all over the country due to the presence of companies like the Yeosu Industrial Complex and POSCO Gwangyang Steelworks.

In particular, Suncheon has produced National Assembly members from both conservative (Saenuri Party) and progressive (United Progressive Party) parties.

The Suncheon mayoral election is a fierce battleground that will determine whether the Democratic Party can widen its lead in the historically close race, or if the 'non-Democratic Party forces,' including independents and other parties, will balance the scales.

Candidates include Son Hoon-mo of the Democratic Party, Lee Sung-soo of the Progressive Party, and Noh Gwan-gyu, an independent (in order of their ballot numbers).

Amidst the confrontation between candidate Son, who overcame a fierce intra-party primary, and candidate Noh, the incumbent mayor recognized for his achievements, candidate Lee, who emphasizes his long-standing local activity base and clear stance, has entered the fray.

Attention is focused on whether the Democratic Party or Progressive Party candidates can overcome the strength of Noh, who is challenging for a consecutive term and his fourth term overall, emphasizing his image as a 'market who works well.' Conversely, can the incumbent mayor and the Progressive Party candidate overcome the momentum of candidate Son, who has absorbed the Democratic Party's support base?

Mr. Ha (46), an office worker met in Jorye-dong, an area with a large young population and floating population, said on the 25th, "Suncheon is not a region where you can get elected just by the 'color of your clothes,'" adding, "However, in this election, wouldn't a Democratic Party candidate who can align with the Lee Jae-myung government have an advantage?"

Mr. Ha argued that to promote large-scale projects that lead regional development or secure national funds, government and party support are essential, so support should be given to the ruling party candidate.

During the independent mayor's term, Suncheon City clashed with the local district's Democratic Party lawmaker on every issue, and faced attacks from the Yeosu district lawmaker regarding pending issues such as the promotion of the relocation of Yeosu MBC to Suncheon.

This election can be extended to the meaning of citizens judging whether the past difficulties were an inevitable structural limitation for the independent mayor, or whether the majority party was hindering the city's development.

Choi (52), who lives in Sindaedeuk-gu, Suncheon's largest residential district, pointed out the 폐해 (harm/detriment) of the Democratic Party's monopoly, saying, "It has caused fatigue due to controversies over local council nominations and allegations of bribery by the mayor's close associates."

Choi said, "Recently, Sindaechen was created, attracting many people for evening walks, and Costco is said to be opening in the nearby development area, drawing envy from residents of other regions," adding, "I hope the mayor's achievements in improving living conditions and quality of life will continue."

The generational difference in the criteria for selection, whether it be party or individual, is also evident.

Kim (34), a resident of Wangji-dong, recalled a recent conversation with his father about the election.

Kim said, "It seems that elders tend to look at the party, while people my age tend to look at individuals," adding, "When I told my father not to just look at the party or its color, the atmosphere became heavy."

Progressive Party candidate Lee Sung-soo, who emphasizes his long local activity and labor movement career, also advocates for individual competitiveness with the slogan 'If you remove the party, it's naturally Lee Sung-soo.'

Joo (28), living in Yeonhyang-dong, supported him, saying, "Suncheon is a region with strong support for progressive parties compared to other cities and counties in Jeonnam," adding, "As Lee has built recognition with his consistent appearance, he will perform well in the election."