This is the eighth in a series introducing the key inter-party battle fields in the upcoming April 11 general election. ― Ed.


The Sasang district in Busan is one of the most dramatic constituencies in the upcoming general elections, as a right-wing political debutante made a daring challenge against a liberal presidential potential.

For the left-wing camp, it is a strategic spot, considering the district is a longtime conservative stronghold and especially so in light of the presidential election slated for December.

Representing the main opposition Democratic United Party is 59-year-old Moon Jae-in, supreme councilor and close aide to President Roh Moo-hyun.

The former presidential secretary was selected early on as the DUP candidate for Sasang, Busan, in an apparent attempt to overthrow the decades-long conservative dominance in the city and have an impact on the entire surrounding Yeongnam region.

Based on his positive public image as an upright man and experienced politician, Moon has so far gained a visible upper hand upon his rival, Son Su-jo of the ruling Saenuri Party.

He is, however, burdened by the consequences of the game, whichever way it will turn out, because the senior figure is up against a political minnow.

Should he lose or fight a tight match against the 27-year-old novice, Moon is likely not only to lose face as a presidential hopeful, but dent liberal progress in the southeastern region.

“The top variable is not Son but the ruling party’s steady poll results and solid network in the area,” said an aide in Moon’s camp.

Against this backdrop, the DUP runner largely highlights his image as a major party figure and possibly the nation’s future leader.

Having canvassed Sasang widely and deeply for the past two months, he often visits neighboring constituencies to give momentum to the election campaigns of other left-wing candidates.

“The key point of the upcoming elections is not the victory of any specific candidate but the DUP’s triumph over the ruling party and the current government,” Moon said.

His rival Son, on the other hand, is making a strong challenge, appealing to the voters with her young, energetic and friendly image.

“This is a fight pitting someone who will leave Sasang shortly after the elections against someone who will remain devoted to it,” said Son, referring to Moon who is likely to give up his parliamentary seat before the presidential race in December. To run for president, a lawmaker is required by law to quit his or her parliamentary seat.

She thus focused on expanding face-to-face direct meetings with the local citizens, calling herself “the daughter of Sasang.”

It was earlier speculated that the right-wing party effectively gave up its chances in the constituency as it nominated Son, a rookie with no political experience, as their opponent to Moon.

However, party chairwoman Rep. Park Geun-hye is trying to prove the speculation wrong by paying frequent visits to Busan and offering prominent support to the young candidate.

“Even the negative rumors have acted in Son’s favor as they put her at the center of public attention and shed a light on her active campaign,” said an aide in her camp.

The Saenuri runner earlier pledged to fund her electoral campaign with her own house rent deposit of 30 million won ($26,502) but turned out to have borrowed the money from her parents.

Despite such disputes, Son’s polls generally look to take an upswing and in one of the recent polls conducted by Busan Ilbo, she even caught up with Moon within the margin of 8.3 percent.

The novice, nevertheless, has some way to go to overcome the voters’ suspicion that she may be too young and inexperienced for the lawmaker post, observers said.

By Bae Hyun-jung (tellme@heraldcorp.com)