Jeju Political Scene in Turmoil as Conservative Camp Fuels Speculation of Won Heeryong's Candidacy

"Disappointment with Oh Young-hun's Four-Year Term" Spurs Talk of Incumbent Democratic Lawmakers Running
Despite Persistent Calls from Associates, Won Heeryong Draws a Clear Line

Won Hee-ryong, former Governor of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province.

As the 9th June 3 local elections approach, the possibility of by-elections for National Assembly seats in Jeju City Gap or Seogwipo City is becoming more likely, due to the participation of incumbent Democratic Party lawmakers (Moon Dae-rim and Wi Seong-gon) in the gubernatorial primary. Amidst this, voices are growing stronger within Jeju's conservative camp, which currently lacks a suitable contender, calling for the return of Won Heeryong, former Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

However, despite persistent calls from close associates seeking his political comeback, as well as the expectations and demands from conservative supporters for him to serve as a rallying point, Won has firmly denied these draft proposals and drawn a clear line, making his stance a major variable in the upcoming elections.

Recently, some circles in the local political scene and among Jeju residents have expressed growing fatigue with the four-year administration of current Governor Oh Young-hun, leading to a gradual reappraisal of Won Heeryong's previous term. This renewed assessment is energizing the conservative camp, which has been facing a sense of crisis due to the lack of a clear figurehead, and is fueling the movement to draft Won as a new driving force.

In particular, within Jeju’s conservative camp, Won’s potential return is seen as a game changer that could shake up the entire local election landscape, not just increase seat numbers.

A former key official of the People Power Party’s Jeju branch commented, “In a situation where there seems to be no hope for Jeju’s conservatives, Won Heeryong’s candidacy would be a powerful wind that could instantly change even the outcome of several provincial council seats,” reflecting the local anticipation.

The analysis is that his experience serving two terms as governor would not only influence the by-election, but also revitalize the overall atmosphere of the local elections.

Nevertheless, the actual electoral landscape is expected to remain challenging, regardless of his potential impact.

According to historical election results from the National Election Commission, Jeju has been a stronghold for the progressive bloc, with the Democratic Party holding all three National Assembly seats for more than 20 years since the 17th general election in 2004.

In addition to the burden of this structurally difficult environment, mixed public evaluations over Won’s midterm resignation as governor in 2021 to run in the presidential primary are also considered critical factors in the equation.

Observers believe that these complex political dynamics are behind Won’s strong reluctance to run. Once the Democratic Party’s primary results determine whether and where by-elections will be held, pressure from the conservative camp for Won to run is expected to reach its peak.

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