Ahead of the June 3 local elections, the cities of Seongnam, Yongin, and Hwaseong have initiated a large-scale signature campaign to urge the inclusion of the Southern Gyeonggi Metropolitan Railway in the national railway network plan. This project, which will connect the Jamsil Sports Complex in Seoul to Seongnam, Yongin, Suwon, and Hwaseong over a total distance of 50.7 km, is projected to cost about 5.2 trillion won. While the Gyeonggi provincial government has proposed this line as part of the fifth national railway network construction plan, the cities are experiencing mixed responses regarding their participation in the campaign.

As part of their campaign, the cities will collect signatures both in person at municipal offices and online through their official websites and QR codes. The mayor of Yongin, Lee Sang-il, participated in the campaign at a local administrative center, encouraging citizens to take part. However, Suwon City, which was initially part of this joint initiative, has opted out of participating in the signature drive. Suwon's mayor expressed concerns that a government-led initiative so close to the election could be seen as politically motivated, suggesting that the campaign may prioritize political visibility over practical negotiations regarding the railway's construction.

Public opinion is divided on the signature campaign, with some advocating for the necessity of expanding the transport network and push for citizen involvement, while others suspect that it is merely an electoral strategy employed by current local leaders. The proximity of the upcoming elections has also made candidates uneasy about the implications of such campaigns, indicating a cautious approach to how local governance and politics might intersect in the public eye during this pivotal time.