Local Elections 4 Months Away: Are Difficult Times Approaching for District Mayors?

Among 23 Seoul District Mayors, Few with Poor Staff and Resident Evaluations Draw Attention on Whether They Can Pass the June 1 Local Election Gate

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] "With the election just 4 months away, more and more district mayors are losing sleep at night."

This was said by an executive at a district office in Seoul.

Elections are a daunting process where not only the performance of the head of the local government over four years but even every single action is evaluated. During the 7th term of direct elections, due to the aftermath of the US-North Korea summit, candidates from the Democratic Party of Korea were elected in all districts except Seocho-gu.

However, this election is inevitably more difficult as the presidential election outlook is uncertain and it is held just one month after the president’s inauguration.

In this context, a district mayor who has failed to communicate with district office employees during their term will find it difficult to even pass the nomination hurdle. Moreover, if the relationship with the local district’s National Assembly member is poor, it is almost 100% certain that securing a nomination will be difficult.

Mr. A, a district mayor in Seoul during the 4th term of direct elections, came to the district office almost every day, and key executives had to stay in the office without holidays.

This district mayor also failed to maintain a good relationship with the local National Assembly member, did not receive a nomination, and eventually ran as an independent candidate for both the district mayor and National Assembly elections but lost. Since then, he has gradually been regarded as a fading local politician. A district office manager said, "If the mayor had cared for and communicated well with the employees during his term, this would not have happened," expressing regret.

Mr. B, another former district mayor in Seoul, is in a similar situation. He frequently scolded executives in front of lower-level employees. This district mayor also failed to receive a nomination and ran as an independent candidate but lost, and has since disappeared without a trace. The district office manager also said, "He treated the employees as if he would be mayor for life, but eventually disappeared without any presence," adding pointedly, "The saying 'treat well while you are there' applies just as much to public office."

These two cases are expected to be repeated in the upcoming 8th term local elections.

Rumors are already circulating that some district mayors in Seoul will find it difficult to secure nominations. A Seoul district office manager said, "Many district office employees are residents of the area, so their evaluations can directly affect nominations and elections, so it is important to behave well during the term."

The election, which judges every single action, is approaching. Another district office manager pointed out, "Especially, district mayors who do not value their employees should not be nominated, so district office employees, residents, and local political circles must watch closely."

As the history of local autonomy lengthens and the public’s political awareness rises, the demand for "leaders with good character who work with residents" and "clean leaders" is increasing.

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