Kim Chan-jin, the mayor of Incheon Dong District, has drawn attention for his frequent visits to Jung District, with reports indicating he made 31 official visits there from January to February this year, compared to just three visits in his own district. These visits primarily involved meeting residents and attending community events, particularly in preparation for impending local elections. Local incumbents often leverage their positions to engage with voters, enhancing their visibility without needing to officially register as candidates until closer to the election date.

However, Governor Kim's repeated focus on an adjacent district raises eyebrows, particularly since Jung District will undergo administrative changes starting July. The area will split into a new Yeongjong District and merge the inland sector with Dong District to form a new Jeomulpo District, effectively transforming Kim's electoral landscape. While currently outside his official jurisdiction, the new configuration will include Jung District as part of Kim's future electoral constituency, making these visits strategically significant as he prepares to run for the inaugural mayoral position of Jeomulpo District in June's local elections.

Critics, notably from the ruling Democratic Party, have accused Kim of engaging in pre-election campaigning, claiming his actions violate electoral laws. They have lodged complaints with the election commission on these grounds. The election commission had noted such issues prior to the formal accusations, indicating a contentious atmosphere around the upcoming local elections and raising questions about the integrity of campaign practices in the region. The outcome could set a precedent for how local administrators campaign in future elections, particularly amid significant local governance alterations.