Sejong mayoral election final voter sentiment, martial law controversy and relocation of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries are key variables

In Sejong City, two days before the June 3 local elections, the upcoming mayoral race emerged as the biggest lastminute point of interest. Merchants and citizens around the Sejong Traditional Market in Jochiwoneup said they were feeling the economic slowdown and the burden of living costs, and responded that they would cast their votes by comparing the candidates’ pledges and ability to deliver. This Sejong mayoral election is shaping up as a twoway race between People Power Party candidate Choi Minho and Democratic Party candidate Cho Sangho, with Reform Party candidate Ha Heonhwi mounting a challenge. Among local public sentiment, the completion of the administrative capital, the controversy over the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries’ relocation to Busan, and the problem of vacant commercial spaces are cited as the main issues. Because Sejong City has a high proportion of civil servants, it is sensitive to changes in the functions of central government ministries. Some citizens pointed out that the pledge to complete the administrative capital is too abstract, saying that a realistic stepbystep plan is needed. The ruling and opposition camps are divided over whether the relocation of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries will lead to a weakening of Sejong’s functions or create momentum for moving additional administrative agencies.