[The Opening Act of the June 1 Local Elections①] Consecutive Wins or Counterattack... The Biggest Battleground, Gyeonggi Province

Lee Jae-myung's Run for Presidency Creates Power Vacuum
People Power Party to Lead Government if Recaptured
Lee Leads Yoon by 5.32%p in Presidential Race
Ruling Party Mentions Kim Dong-yeon, Cho Jung-sik, Yeom Tae-young
Opposition Mentions Yoo Seung-min, Kim Eun-hye, etc.

The presidential election concluded with a narrow victory for the People Power Party, and immediately the race for local government heads (local elections) began. This year marks the 8th local election, with candidates from both ruling and opposition parties announcing their bids. Both sides are desperate to win this election. The People Power Party, having won the presidential election, is determined to secure the governing momentum for the newly launched Yoon Suk-yeol administration despite the limitation of a minority in the National Assembly. The Democratic Party also sees a local election victory as essential to regain public support after the shock of the presidential defeat. Especially, the Democratic Party is highly aware of the crisis, as it won 14 out of 17 metropolitan government seats in the last local election and must not lose ground. Asia Economy examines the metropolitan government head race and candidate groups in six installments.

[Asia Economy reporters Naju-seok, Gu Chae-eun, Kwon Hyun-ji] The biggest battleground in the June 1 local elections is undoubtedly Gyeonggi Province. Along with its symbolic significance as part of the metropolitan area, the former Gyeonggi Governor Lee Jae-myung's presidential bid left the position open. For the People Power Party, which won the presidential election, reclaiming the Gyeonggi region, where they are at a disadvantage, is expected to secure control over national governance. For the Democratic Party, failing to defend Gyeonggi, a region where they had the upper hand in presidential public sentiment, would mean losing their largest stronghold after Seoul, causing great anxiety.

Looking at the presidential election votes on March 9, Gyeonggi Province is initially favorable to the Democratic Party. In the presidential election, former Democratic presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung led President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol by 462,810 votes (5.32 percentage points). Lee was ahead in 37 out of 46 cities, counties, and districts in Gyeonggi, showing strong Democratic support. Based on election results alone, the Democratic Party is favored, but the People Power Party also sees Gyeonggi as winnable.

Within the progressive camp, including the Democratic Party, candidacy declarations are continuing. On the 28th, Democratic Party lawmaker Cho Jung-sik officially declared his candidacy for governor, stating, "Winning the Gyeonggi gubernatorial election is the only way to check the Yoon Suk-yeol administration's unilateral moves to turn South Korea back to the past."

Kim Dong-yeon, leader of the New Wave party, is also expected to officially announce his candidacy soon. Kim is considered a 'dark horse' among progressive gubernatorial candidates. His moderate image could help expand the Democratic Party's base, and facing off against Yoo Seung-min, a leading People Power Party candidate, he could frame the contest as an 'economic expert' battle. On the same day, Kim appeared on a radio show and, when asked about participating in the Democratic Party's gubernatorial primary, said, "If there is a clear will for political reform and action is taken, anything is open," emphasizing the possibility of running.

A Democratic Party floor official explained, "Winning the Gyeonggi gubernatorial election is crucial to break the losing streak that continued through the April 7 by-elections and the presidential election, and to find momentum for a political turnaround. It is true that Kim's symbolism and clarity on political reform stand out more than existing candidates."

Other Democratic candidates include lawmaker Ahn Min-seok, former Suwon Mayor Yeom Tae-young, and former Blue House political secretary Choi Jae-sung.

Although the Democratic Party showed strength in Gyeonggi in the 2018 local elections and the recent presidential election, the People Power Party is also hopeful. Since former Governor Lee Jae-myung resigned to run for president, the incumbent advantage has disappeared, and the party can appeal to public sentiment by asking for support for the next government. Former lawmakers Shim Jae-cheol, Kim Young-hwan, and Ham Jin-kyu have already declared their candidacies. Other potential candidates include lawmaker Kim Eun-hye, spokesperson for the president-elect, former Jeju Governor Won Hee-ryong, who is chairing the transition committee's planning, former lawmakers Yoo Seung-min and Yoon Hee-sook, and lawmakers Kim Sung-won and Song Seok-jun.

Among them, former lawmaker Yoo Seung-min is analyzed to have high support. His name recognition, expertise as an economic specialist, and moderate political stance are strengths that could broaden his vote base. According to a public opinion poll conducted on the 20th by Inside News through PNR People Networks Research, surveying 1,002 men and women aged 18 and over in Gyeonggi Province, Yoo's support rate was 22.9%, leading among potential candidates from both parties. Detailed survey methodology and results can be found on the Central Election Poll Deliberation Commission website.

A People Power Party official said, "This local election can play an important role in the Yoon Suk-yeol administration's governing momentum, so there is a strong call to field a competitive candidate," adding, "From the perspective of putting the country first, there is public opinion that Yoo should step forward." Yoo is expected to decide on his candidacy as early as this week.

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