Barometer for the Next Political Landscape: 'Mini General Election' Kicks Off in 14 Districts

Mass Resignations of Lawmakers from Both Parties on April 29

Choo Kyungho: "I Will Restore Balance Starting from Daegu"

Re- and By-Elections to Be Held in 14 Regions Nationwide

The so-called 'mini general election', which offers a preview of the next political landscape, is officially underway. With the resignation of nine lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties for by-elections on April 29, a total of 14 parliamentary by-elections and special elections will be held nationwide. Among these regions, political circles are particularly focused on Busan Buk-gap, where former People Power Party chief Han Donghoon is running, and Gyeonggi Pyeongtaek-eul, where Cho Kuk, leader of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, is a candidate.

Representative Choo Kyung-ho, the People Power Party candidate for the mayor of Daegu Metropolitan City, paying respects at the Chung-hon Tower in Daegu Nam-gu Daemyeong-dong on the 27th. Photo by Yonhap News

On April 29, a large number of lawmakers will step down to run in the nationwide local elections scheduled for June 3. Representative Choo Kyungho (Daegu Dalseong-gun) of the People Power Party is resigning on this day. From the Democratic Party, nine lawmakers—Kim Sangwook (Ulsan Nam-gap), Min Hyungbae (Gwangju Gwangsan-eul), Park Suhyeon (Chungnam Gongju·Buyeo·Cheongyang), Park Chan-dae (Incheon Yeonsu-gap), Wi Seonggon (Seogwipo), Lee Wontak (Jeonbuk Gunsan·Gimje·Buan), Jeon Jaesoo (Busan Buk-gap), and Choo Mi-ae (Gyeonggi Hanam-gap)—are also stepping down.

Representative Choo, who is running for Mayor of Daegu Metropolitan City, resigned from the National Assembly on this day, stating, "With power leaning to one side, the Republic of Korea needs a counterbalance," and added, "I will restore that balance starting from Daegu." Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Sangwook, who is running for Mayor of Ulsan, said, "I will combine the strengths of both conservatism and progressivism to rebuild Ulsan for the citizens through integration and pragmatism."

Lawmakers who wish to run in the upcoming local elections have until May 4 to resign. However, since they must step down by April 30 for a by-election in their district to coincide with the local elections, many are resigning at the last minute. As a result of these resignations, the number of constituencies holding parliamentary by-elections and special elections has increased from five to fourteen, reaching double digits. This is why these by- and special elections are being referred to as a 'mini general election.'

The most talked-about races are Busan Buk-gap, where former chairman Han Donghoon has announced his candidacy, and Gyeonggi Pyeongtaek-eul, where leader Cho Kuk has entered the race. Since Han and Cho's political futures are at stake, and with multiple candidates vying for these districts, the issue of candidate unification has come to the fore. In particular, the competition in Busan Buk-gap is heating up, with former Blue House Chief of AI Future Planning Ha Jeongwoo running as the Democratic Party candidate, and the People Power Party also preparing to nominate a candidate.

Jung Sung-guk, a People Power Party lawmaker affiliated with the pro-Han Donghoon faction, appeared on BBS and said, "Buk-gap has become number one among all electoral districts across the country," stressing, "The significance of this election is not simply about one seat." Regarding the internal situation within the People Power Party, he added, "Rather than just nominating a candidate and winning, the strategy should be to use this district as a springboard for a broader electoral victory," and commented, "There will be a lot of discussion going forward."

Meanwhile, with 35 days left until the by- and special elections, the ruling party is steadily confirming its candidates and appears relaxed. Of the regions holding by- and special elections, 13 are considered ruling party strongholds, making this a defensive battle. The People Power Party finalized the by-election schedule the previous day and rushed to set criteria for primary deductions and additional points, showing signs of a hasty push. However, the party is facing difficulties in recruiting candidates not only for the local elections but also for the by- and special elections, with only three candidates confirmed so far.

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