Three-Way Race for Gyeonggi Governor: Choo Takes the Lead, Opposition Lags Behind

Choo Mi-ae Holds On-site Supreme Council Meeting in Anseong, Gyeonggi Province

Three People Power Party Preliminary Candidates to Hold Second Debate on April 28

Jo Eungcheon of the Reform Party Announces Candidacy

As the June 3rd local elections approach, the race for Gyeonggi Province governor is shaping up as a three-way contest, with a clear difference in the pace of preparations between the ruling and opposition parties. The Democratic Party has finalized Choo Mi-ae as its candidate and has entered the campaign, whereas the People Power Party is holding a primary among preliminary candidates Yang Hyangja, Lee Sungbae, and Ham Jingyu, with the final nominee yet to be decided. Meanwhile, Jo Eungcheon, former lawmaker, has announced his candidacy for the Reform Party.

According to political circles on April 27, Choo has begun her official campaign schedule, accelerating her election activities. Having finalized its candidate early, the Democratic Party is moving proactively in terms of organizational restructuring and regional outreach, aiming to seize the initiative.

Choo Mi-ae, the Democratic Party of Korea candidate for Gyeonggi Province Governor (second from the left in the photo), is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held on the 27th at the campaign office of Kim Bora, candidate for Mayor of Anseong City, Gyeonggi Province. Photo by Yonhap News.

In contrast, concerns have emerged within the conservative bloc that delays in finalizing their candidate could hinder their election preparations. With the People Power Party’s Gyeonggi Province governor primary still underway, the delay in selecting a final candidate has raised criticism that it will be difficult to cover all 31 cities and counties in this large-scale regional election through sufficient on-site campaigning.

In response, National Assembly members representing constituencies in Gyeonggi Province have declared the formation of 'independent election committees' even before the final candidate is confirmed. This is viewed as an attempt to shift the momentum and turn the tide in the Gyeonggi Province governor race.

On the 26th, candidates are taking a commemorative photo at the People Power Party Gyeonggi Province Governor candidate primary debate held at the People Power Party Central Party Office in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

The three People Power Party preliminary candidates held their first debate on the 26th, each emphasizing their suitability to take on Choo Mi-ae of the Democratic Party. A second debate is scheduled for the 28th, and the party’s nomination management committee plans to confirm the final candidate on May 2nd.

For the Reform Party, former lawmaker Jo Eungcheon has thrown his hat into the ring, seeking to expand the so-called third option. On this day, Jo stressed, "Aside from the establishment party candidates whom you simply can't bring yourself to support, I am the only one you would truly want to vote for," vowing to appeal to voters weary of mainstream politics.

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