On February 13, 2026, the heart of Busan and the bustling streets of Seoul saw a flurry of political activity as South Korea's major parties and their leaders reached out to citizens ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday. With the chill of winter still lingering in the air, politicians from across the spectrum gathered to offer greetings, share hopes for the coming year, and—perhaps most importantly—signal their intentions for the months ahead.
At Busan Station, the city’s main transportation hub, the scene was almost festive. According to KNN News, both ruling and opposition parties assembled for a rare, simultaneous show of unity—at least in terms of timing. More than 150 members of the Democratic Party, led by local chair Byeon Seong-wan, gathered to greet travelers and locals alike, their message clear: the party is determined to secure victory in the upcoming local elections. The mood was upbeat, with supporters and onlookers mingling as the party sought to energize its base and sway undecided voters. The Democratic Party’s presence was hard to miss, and their resolve was unmistakable.
Not to be outdone, the People Power Party (PPP) also made a strong showing at Busan Station. Mayor Park Hyung-joon, flanked by National Assembly members, assured citizens that the party would tackle Busan’s pressing issues head-on. Their message, as reported by KNN News, was one of commitment and problem-solving—a promise to address local concerns and keep the city moving forward. In a city where local issues often shape national politics, these words carried significant weight.
The energy extended beyond the two major parties. Representatives from the Progressive Party and the People's Innovation Party, both smaller but increasingly vocal, took the opportunity to plead their case to the public. Their call was simple: give minority parties a chance to create meaningful change. Their presence added a layer of diversity to the event, a reminder that South Korea’s political landscape is more varied than party banners might suggest.
Meanwhile, in Seoul, the leadership of the People Power Party was busy with its own outreach efforts. On the same day, Jang Dong-hyeok, the PPP’s national leader, and Song Eon-seok, the party’s floor leader, participated in Lunar New Year volunteer activities at the Jungnim Comprehensive Social Welfare Center. According to News1, the event was as much about service as it was about symbolism. The leaders handed out holiday gift packages and took commemorative photos with party members and volunteers, reinforcing their commitment to community engagement.
But the PPP’s message didn’t stop at in-person events. Jang Dong-hyeok took to the party’s YouTube channel to broadcast his Lunar New Year greetings to the nation. His tone was both hopeful and empathetic. "We will prepare for the spring of hope by engaging more deeply with the public," he declared, as reported by both News1 and 천지일보. Jang continued, "We will encourage the courage of youth, care for the lives of our citizens, and work harder so that Korea can move toward a new tomorrow." The sentiment was clear: the party wants to be seen as energetic, compassionate, and forward-looking.
Jang didn’t forget to address those working through the holidays, either. "I hope you spend a happy holiday sharing a bowl of warm rice cake soup with your family," he said, before turning his attention to emergency responders, military personnel, and medical staff. "I send my heartfelt thanks to firefighters, police officers, soldiers, and medical staff who are devoted to public safety even during the holiday." The acknowledgment struck a chord, especially given the sacrifices many workers make during national celebrations.
Song Eon-seok, too, addressed the nation through both in-person events and online messages. He struck a pragmatic note, recognizing the financial pressures many families face during the holiday season. "Every Lunar New Year, preparing for the ancestral rites table brings attention to rising prices, but this year the burden on households is greater than ever," Song noted, according to News1. He pledged, "We deeply understand your difficulties and will strive harder. As the leading opposition party, we will work responsibly so that hope and smiles can spread throughout everyday life."
Song also encouraged citizens to take a break from daily worries and enjoy time with family and neighbors. "I hope that, at least during this Lunar New Year holiday, you can put aside your everyday concerns and spend a warm, generous time with your loved ones and neighbors," he said. It was a gentle reminder of the holiday’s deeper meaning—community, connection, and care—amidst the often-frenzied pace of political life.
Back in Busan, the smaller parties—the Progressive Party and the People's Innovation Party—pushed for greater representation, arguing that fresh voices are needed to bring about real change. Their leaders appealed directly to voters, asking for support and the chance to prove that minority parties can make a difference. While their numbers may be small, their determination was palpable, and their message resonated with those who feel left out of the traditional political conversation.
The flurry of activity from all parties, both in Busan and Seoul, underscores the significance of the Lunar New Year as not just a cultural milestone, but a political one as well. For politicians, it’s a rare chance to connect with citizens on a personal level, to offer reassurances, and to set the tone for the year ahead. The holiday provides a unique stage for parties to display unity, empathy, and resolve—even as they compete fiercely for public support.
It’s also a time when the challenges facing ordinary people come into sharper focus. Rising prices, economic uncertainty, and the strains of daily life were all acknowledged by party leaders, with promises to listen more closely and act more decisively in the months to come. The careful balance of celebration and concern was evident in every speech, every handshake, and every televised greeting.
As the Lunar New Year approached, South Korea’s political leaders made it clear that they are listening—and that they know the stakes are high. Whether their words will translate into action remains to be seen. But for now, as families gather and communities celebrate, the country’s politicians have set the tone for a year that promises both challenge and hope.