The War of the Stars Has Begun!... Jeonbuk Governor Election Intensifies

Incumbent Governor Song Ha-jin's Decision to Run for a Third Term Draws Challenges from Former and Current National Assembly Members... People Power Party Faces Shortage of Candidates

Candidates expected to run in the Democratic Party of Korea's Jeonbuk gubernatorial primary
Clockwise from the left: current Governor Song Ha-jin, Representative Ahn Ho-young, former Representative Yoo Seong-yeop, Representative Kim Jae-seon, Representative Kim Yoon-duk, former Representative Kim Kwan-young

[Jeonju=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Han-ho] Ahead of the 8th nationwide simultaneous local elections, the race for the Governor of Jeonbuk Province has taken shape.

In particular, in Jeonbuk, where "nomination equals election," a fierce battle among heavyweight candidates vying for the Democratic Party's nomination is expected.

For now, the Jeonbuk gubernatorial race is entering a phase where current and former members of the National Assembly are jointly challenging incumbent Governor Song Ha-jin's bid for a third term.

Governor Song, who had made his third-term candidacy a foregone conclusion at a press conference earlier this year, is scheduled to officially announce his candidacy on the 31st.

Through his declaration, Song is expected to emphasize that he is the right person to lead Jeonbuk's development and express his determination to win the primary.

If Song is elected, he will make history as the first governor to win a third term in the province.

However, voter fatigue from his 16 years in public office?8 years as Jeonju mayor and 8 years as governor?Jeonbuk's diminishing status, and the Democratic Party's political reform policy are hurdles he must overcome.

Prior to this, current National Assembly members Ahn Ho-young (Wanju, Jinan, Muju, Jangsu) and Kim Yoon-duk (Jeonju Gap) declared their candidacies on the 22nd and 29th of this month, respectively.

Ahn stated, "I will become a governor who demonstrates leadership to overcome the crisis," while Kim declared, "I will bring a major transformation to Jeonbuk, which is on the brink."

Additionally, former Assembly members Yoo Sung-yeop and Kim Kwan-young have also entered the gubernatorial race.

Kim Kwan-young announced his candidacy on the 23rd, presenting himself as a "competent economic governor who will change Jeonbuk," and Yoo Sung-yeop declared on the 28th that he will be a "governor with bold leadership who speaks up to the government," throwing down the gauntlet.

These current and former lawmakers are confident in their 2-3 term experience and solid organizations, but the key question is how they will overcome Governor Song's stronghold, built through two terms in office.

In addition, Kim Jae-seon, Jeonbuk representative of the Roh Moo-hyun Presidential Spirit Succession Alliance, is also running as a candidate.

Since all of them must compete in the Democratic Party primary and each carries significant political weight, signs of overheating are already emerging.

Governor Song Ha-jin recently claimed that a local media outlet's poll had methodological issues and stated that he filed an objection with the election commission, indicating a trend toward a fierce struggle.

On the other hand, the People Power Party is facing a shortage of candidates.

Kim Yong-ho, the party committee chairman for Namwon, Imsil, and Sunchang, announced his candidacy early last year but is considered to lack weight.

Current Assembly member Jeong Un-cheon (proportional representation) declared on the 25th that he has no intention to run.

Some are paying close attention to the moves of former Assembly member Cho Bae-sook, who supported candidate Yoon Seok-yeol during the last presidential election.

The Justice Party and Progressive Party have yet to present any notable candidates.

Jeonju=Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Han-ho stonepeak@asiae.co.kr

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