Jo Guk Runs in Pyeongtaek-eul, Gyeonggi; Han Donghun in Busan Buk-gu Gap...A 'Complex Equation'

Jo Guk Announces Bid for Parliamentary By-Election
Handonghun Formalizes Independent Candidacy

Jo Guk, leader of the Jo Guk Innovation Party, has declared his candidacy for the parliamentary by-election in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, which will be held alongside the 9th nationwide local elections on June 3, 2026. Handonghun, former leader of the People Power Party who was expelled from the party, has effectively formalized his independent candidacy by announcing that he has secured residence in the Buk-gu Gap district of Busan.

Jokook, leader of the Jokook Innovation Party, held a press conference at the National Assembly on the 14th to declare his candidacy for the National Assembly by-election in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, which will be held together with the June 3 local elections. 2026.4.14 Photo by Hyunmin Kim

On April 14, Jo held a press conference at the main building of the National Assembly, stating, "My decision to run in Pyeongtaek is rooted in the vision, values, principles, and convictions that I have consistently emphasized since becoming a politician." Pyeongtaek-eul is considered a tough district for the progressive camp, as the People Power Party has won the seat in the 19th, 20th, and 21st general elections. However, the influx of younger voters due to the growth of the local semiconductor industry is shifting the electoral landscape. Jo added, "Although there is a reason (for the loss of the parliamentary seat) on the part of the Democratic Party, they have said they will nominate a candidate," and continued, "It is likely to be a five-way race, but I will win through fair competition."

Pyeongtaek-eul is a district that both the ruling and opposition camps are eyeing with anticipation. Given the complex negotiations over candidate unification, the path to the National Assembly is expected to be fraught with difficulties. The election landscape in Pyeongtaek-eul is also highly competitive. On the conservative side, former People Power Party lawmakers Yoo Eui-dong and Lee Jaeyoung, as well as Hwang Kyo-ahn, head of the Freedom and Innovation Party and former Prime Minister, have all declared their candidacies. In the Reform Party, there are reports that former Secretary-General Kim Cheolgeun may also be nominated.

On the progressive side, Kim Jaeyeon, leader of the Progressive Party, has announced her candidacy, while the Democratic Party is also reportedly considering strategic nominations for the entire district. Jo appears to be taking this into account, stating, "Pyeongtaek-eul is the toughest of the tough districts for the Democratic and reformist camp." For Jo, whether or not the opposition can unify around a single candidate is the key factor that will determine the outcome of the by-election.

The Democratic Party has drawn a clear line against the idea of candidate unification. Jeong Cheongrae, the party leader, has declared a policy of "nominating candidates for all districts." However, calls for unification within the progressive camp present an opportunity. The Democratic Party and the Innovation Party are also planning a closed-door meeting between their secretaries-general. The Progressive Party has demanded that the Democratic Party refrain from nominating a candidate in Pyeongtaek-eul as a precondition for unifying the opposition candidate for the Ulsan mayoral race. According to a ruling party official, "Unlike the Democratic Party, which has a stake in the Ulsan mayoral race, Jo and the Innovation Party have no political debt to the Progressive Party."

Handonghun, former leader of the People Power Party, is speaking during his visit to Gyeongdong Market in Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, on the 22nd of last month. Photo by Yonhap News

The race in Busan Buk-gu Gap, where former leader Han has hinted at running, is also developing into a complicated contest. Busan Buk-gu Gap is a district where Jeon Jae-soo, the Democratic Party's mayoral candidate for Busan, has been elected three consecutive times based on his personal appeal. On the People Power Party side, Park Minsik, former Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs and a two-term lawmaker, is reportedly preparing to run. Choi Sujin, chief spokesperson for the People Power Party, commented on the same day, "At this point, candidate unification is not something we are considering."

Within the ruling bloc, there is speculation that Ha Jeongwoo, Chief of AI Future Planning at the Presidential Office, may be recruited to run. Appearing on SBS's 'Kim Taehyun's Political Show' on April 14, Ha stated, "The decision will be based on what best serves the national interest."

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