Yeongnam Kim Du-gwan, Gangwon Lee Kwang-jae, Chungcheong Yang Seung-jo... Regional Powerhouses Prepare to Launch

Conservative Opposition Sees Jeju Governor Won Hee-ryong's De Facto Presidential Bid

Lee Kwang-jae, Member of the Democratic Party of Korea./Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] Presidential candidates from the ruling party based on regional support are gearing up for their campaigns. Although they have yet to rank at the top in various opinion polls, they are determined to shake up the presidential race by leveraging regional public sentiment. Notable figures include Kim Du-kwan, a member of the Democratic Party and former governor of Gyeongnam Province (Yangsan-eul, Gyeongnam), Lee Kwang-jae, a member of the National Assembly and former governor of Gangwon Province (Wonju-gap, Gangwon), and Yang Seung-jo, the current governor of Chungnam Province. Currently, within the ruling party, Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung and Assemblyman Lee Nak-yeon form the two leading contenders, with former Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun also leading in opinion polls.

On the 29th, a representative from Kim’s camp stated, "There are practically not many politicians in the Yeongnam region who can run as presidential candidates from the ruling party, so Kim has made up his mind." However, "Given the current difficult situation for livelihoods due to COVID-19, the focus should be on preparing countermeasures, so the official announcement of his candidacy will be decided later."

Originally, Kim Kyung-soo, former secretary to the late President Roh Moo-hyun and known as President Moon Jae-in’s close aide, was considered the leading presidential candidate from the Yeongnam region. However, his future became uncertain after being found guilty in the second trial of the so-called ‘Druking comment manipulation case’ in November last year. Although there remains a possibility of reversal in the Supreme Court trial, it is difficult for him to participate in the Democratic Party’s primary race starting in June. A political insider speculated, "Kim Du-kwan likely made his decision about running for president after consulting with Governor Kim Kyung-soo."

Kim Du-kwan began his political career in his birthplace, Namhae, Gyeongnam, starting with farmers’ movements, then serving as village head and county governor, before becoming governor of Gyeongnam Province and Minister of the Interior and Safety. Ahead of last year’s general election, he intended to run in his original constituency, Gimpo-gap, Gyeonggi Province, but accepted the party’s request to serve as a rallying point for the Yeongnam region by running in the Yangsan constituency, where he won.

Assemblyman Lee Kwang-jae also appears to be preparing for a presidential run. Recently, he said, "It is a time to listen more," but also stated, "I have no intention of avoiding the historical responsibility when it comes." He published a book titled ‘Roh Moo-hyun Was Right’ at the end of last year. Born in Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province, he served two terms representing the Taebaek-Yeongwol-Pyeongchang-Jeongseon constituency and won a third term last year in the Wonju-gap constituency. He also served as governor of Gangwon Province in 2010. In this region, current Gangwon Governor Choi Moon-soon was also mentioned as a presidential candidate, but at a press conference on the 27th, he said, "Many people around me urge me to declare non-candidacy rather than running," and regarding Lee, he said, "The residents should support him," suggesting that he is likely to not run.

Meanwhile, Governor Yang recently stated in a media interview, "Chungcheong region cannot be neglected and marginalized any longer," and added, "I intend to actively run for president to represent Chungcheong and promote balanced national development." On the 27th, about 20 Democratic Party members of the Chungnam Provincial Assembly held a press conference urging Governor Yang to "firmly step forward with the determination to take responsibility not only for the hope of Chungcheong but also for the future of the Republic of Korea." On the 29th, sports figures from the Chungnam region are also scheduled to hold a press conference urging Governor Yang to run for president. Yang served four consecutive terms as a member of the National Assembly representing his birthplace, Cheonan, Chungnam, and was elected governor of Chungnam Province in 2018.

In contrast, the conservative opposition shows less active regional presidential candidate movements. Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Governor Won Hee-ryong recently announced he will not run in next year’s local elections, which is seen as effectively starting his presidential bid. After serving three terms in the Yangcheon-gap constituency in Seoul, he returned to his hometown and was elected governor twice. His Jeju regional base, along with his relatively young and rational conservative image, are considered strengths.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.