"People Power Party Nomination Unfair"... Haman Provincial Assembly Preliminary Candidate Who Failed to Secure Nomination Defects to Democratic Party

A preliminary candidate who failed to secure the People Power Party's nomination in the 9th Nationwide Local Elections for the Provincial Assembly raised objections to the nomination process and has left the party.

On May 6, Yoon Sangchul, a preliminary candidate for the Gyeongnam Provincial Assembly, held a press conference in the provincial assembly's briefing room, stating, "I intend to leave the People Power Party and join the Democratic Party of Korea."

Yoon expressed strong regret regarding the nomination process of the People Power Party's Gyeongnam Provincial Chapter, saying, "For over 40 years, I have been loyal and devoted to the party, but the party has betrayed that loyalty and cast me aside like an old shoe."

Yoon Sangcheol, a preliminary candidate for the Gyeongnam Provincial Council, has announced his intention to leave the People Power Party and join the Democratic Party of Korea.
Photo by Lee Seryeong

He said, "The People Power Party conducted an unfair and unprincipled nomination process, such as awarding a single candidacy in some regions on the day of the interview, or announcing additional applications for provincial assembly nominations late at night to allow those excluded from the county governor nominations to register additionally."

He further explained the reason for his defection, saying, "After observing various developments since December 3, 2025, I have spent much time reflecting on the party to which I have devoted many years. I found disappointment and limitations in its management and direction, so I have decided to make a fresh start with the Democratic Party."

He added, "I judged that the Democratic Party is considering its policies and roles by focusing on people's livelihoods and practical solutions. I believe the party seeks to select capable and competent candidates during the nomination process, which is why I chose the Democratic Party."

Yoon also criticized the People Power Party's nomination for Haman County governor, where the effectiveness of the primary results was suspended by the court due to allegations of leaking the party membership list.

He pointed out, "The most unacceptable part of this nomination process was the suspicion of leaking the party membership list. The People Power Party's nominations are extremely unfair and lack consistency and principles."

He continued, "Regardless of the party, the goal is not the position itself but to work for regional development and to benefit the local community. Whether I receive the nomination or not, I will continue to work for the development of the region."

Yoon plans to apply for the Democratic Party's nomination in the currently open recruitment for the Haman Constituency No. 2 in the Provincial Assembly if he joins the party.

Previously, the People Power Party's Gyeongnam Provincial Chapter selected Cho Youngje, former Gyeongnam Provincial Assembly member, as the final candidate for Haman County governor through the primary on April 15.

During this process, preliminary candidates Lee Sungyong and Lee Bomyeong raised suspicions that a specific candidate had obtained the party membership list in advance and started campaigning early. On May 4, the Changwon District Court accepted their request for an injunction to suspend the effectiveness of the primary results.

As a result of the injunction, the People Power Party's central office will conduct another primary on May 9 and 10 for the six preliminary candidates who applied for the Haman County governor nomination: Lee Manho, Lee Bomyeong, Lee Sungyong, Cho Youngje, Cho Inje, and Cha Seokho. The results are scheduled to be announced on May 11.

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