Busan's Electoral Redistricting Stirs Controversy Ahead of 2024 National Assembly Elections

As South Korea prepares for the 22nd National Assembly Elections in 2024, significant electoral changes are unfolding, particularly in Busan. The National Assembly Election Boundary Delimitation Commission (NAEBDC), responsible for delineating electoral districts, has submitted a contentious proposal to the National Assembly Speaker for reconfiguring constituencies in various regions, including Busan.

The proposal details specific changes in Busan's districts. In Buk-gu and Gangseo-gu, the existing two constituencies are proposed to be divided into three. Gangseo-gu, having exceeded the minimum population limit, is slated to become an independent constituency, while Buk-gu will be split into two separate entities. Conversely, in Nam-gu, due to a population that falls below the minimum threshold, the two existing constituencies are planned to be merged into one.

Moreover, the Dongnae-gu is set to remain as a single constituency following an adjustment to the upper population limit. As of January, the district's population stood at 273,177, making it one of the largest constituencies in the country. In Saha-gu, the plan involves a 'district adjustment' where part of the Saha-eul (a) area, which does not meet the minimum population requirement, will be transferred to Saha-gab(b). This will result in the transfer of Sinpyeong 2-dong from Saha-eul(a) to Saha-gab(b), maintaining the two constituencies in the area.

In the broader context, the strategic realignment in Busan aims to keep the city's representation in the National Assembly consistent, with a total of 18 seats. However, the plan is still in its early stages, awaiting review by the Special Committee on Political Reform (Reform Committee) of the National Assembly. The Democratic Party of Korea has raised concerns over the proposal, deeming it biased and potentially influenced by the ruling People Power Party. They argue for a reduction of Busan's National Assembly seats from 18 to 17, mirroring adjustments in Incheon for equitable representation. The party also advocates for seat reductions in North Gyeongsang and specific districts in Seoul. Conversely, the current plan suggests seat reductions only in North Jeolla and Seoul's Nowon-gu, fueling further opposition from the Democratic Party.

The crux of the debate centers on the distribution of seats relative to population sizes. The Democratic Party highlights the disparity, pointing out that Busan, with its 18 seats, might be over-represented compared to Incheon, which is increasing its seats from 13 to 14. This discrepancy raises questions about the pressure on Busan to adjust its constituency count.

The proposed reorganization seeks not only to maintain Busan's 18-seat quota in the National Assembly but also to redraw the constituency map, reflecting the demographic shifts and political balances. Yet, the proposal must endure a rigorous legislative process, including evaluations by both the Special Committee on Political Reform and the Legislation and Judiciary Committee. The outcome of these discussions is of keen interest, as they unfold amidst intense political debates and scrutiny over the fairness and practicality of the proposed constituency changes, setting the stage for what promises to be a closely watched National Assembly Election in 2024.