Busan Mayor Debate: Who Will Drive the Future of North Port Development?

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Mayor Park Hyung-joon and Rep. Joo Jin-woo, both contenders in the People Power Party’s Busan mayoral primary, clashed over Busan’s development record and the North Port redevelopment during the second TV debate on the 2nd. They exchanged sharp critiques of each other’s administrative performance and whether citizens actually feel the effects of city policies, intensifying the race.

At the Busan MBC-hosted debate, Mayor Park directed criticism at Rep. Joo’s constituency work. “Innovation is action, not words,” Park said, pressing Joo to explain what concrete changes he had delivered in Haeundae over the past two years. Park stressed his own initiatives, such as efforts to revitalize Gwangalli, to highlight the value of administrative experience.

Park described construction of an arena in the North Port as “a core project that will shape Busan’s future,” saying it “can move forward with urgency.” He also announced a target of creating 100,000 jobs to underscore his development agenda.

Rep. Joo pushed back, arguing that relocating the 53rd Division and advancing a new Haeundae KTX transfer station are key drivers of regional growth. He said those outcomes were the result of cooperation between the Busan city government and members of the National Assembly.

Joo directly challenged Park’s record: “Why isn’t satisfaction with your administration higher?” he asked, arguing that citizens have not felt sufficient, tangible change. “Administration by rhetoric alone won’t improve people’s lives,” he said.

The candidates also differed on North Port pledges. Joo advocated building the arena and expanding support for young entrepreneurs, warning that “the old approach can’t guarantee Busan’s future.” Park countered that “investment is a process that takes time,” arguing that visible change will follow once policies are implemented in earnest.

The debate concluded with both candidates targeting each other’s accomplishments and shortcomings. As the vision contest for the North Port redevelopment heats up, voters are watching closely.