Han Dong-hoon (left), the independent candidate in the Busan Buk-gap National Assembly by-election, embraces Seo Byeong-su, honorary campaign committee chairman, as he enters his campaign office in Busan's Buk-gu on Thursday to watch election broadcasts. [Yonhap]
Han Dong-hoon (left), the independent candidate in the Busan Buk-gap National Assembly by-election, embraces Seo Byeong-su, honorary campaign committee chairman, as he enters his campaign office in Busan's Buk-gu on Thursday to watch election broadcasts. [Yonhap]

Independent candidate Han Dong-hoon won the Busan Buk-gap National Assembly by-election — the most fiercely contested race of the June 3 by-elections — defeating candidates from both the ruling and opposition parties in a three-way contest by a narrow margin.

Han's victory was confirmed around 2 a.m. Thursday. "I am deeply grateful to the great citizens of Busan's Buk-gu, who gave me this opportunity to develop the district and rebuild conservatism through a historic victory," he said. "I will fulfill the mission entrusted to me, putting the people of Busan and the citizens of South Korea first."

Democratic Party of Korea candidate Ha Jung-woo accepted the result graciously. "I humbly accept the outcome of the election and thank everyone who supported me with such passion and dedication," he said, adding his congratulations to Han.

Han had argued that Busan's Buk-gap district had failed to develop properly over the past 20 years, and pledged to make it Busan's top priority — a true "gap," or premier district, for the nation as a whole.

He also campaigned on rebuilding a fractured conservative movement and checking what he described as the unchecked dominance of the Lee Jae-myung administration.

Han unveiled a future road map for Buk-gu built around three visions: a city that attracts people and investment, a premium city where everyday life is fulfilling, and a warm and dependable community.

The centerpiece of the first vision is a K-complex arena on the Nakdong River to serve as a new landmark for Buk-gu, with the surrounding riverfront developed into a "golden belt" combining culture, commerce and leisure.

Han also pledged to connect Gupo Station and a nearby Nakdong River ecological park via an elevated riverside pathway, and to extend the Geumbit Noeul Bridge walkway to Gupo Market so that visitors to the arena and the park can flow naturally into the traditional market.

For the "premium city" vision, Han proposed building the Gupo Tunnel — a working title — through Baegyang Mountain to link Gupo and Choeup, introducing variable lane systems and an auxiliary bridge on Gupo Bridge, increasing KTX services at Gupo Station, and pushing to put the Gyeongbu Line railway underground.

The third vision, a "warm and dependable city," centered on life-cycle welfare pledges covering children, youth, people with disabilities and their families, and the elderly.


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