[Local Elections D-14]②Key Battlegrounds: Seoul, Busan, Daegu, and Jeonbuk

Tight Races Emerging in Seoul, Busan, and Daegu

Democratic Party Eyes Upsets in Yeongnam, While People Power Party Defends Strongholds

Rising Interest in Jeonbuk Amid Kim Kwanyoung’s Breakthrough

Editor's NoteThe June 3 local elections are just fifteen days away. This election will select grassroots leaders to run local governments and councils for the next four years, while also serving as a midterm assessment of the Lee Jaemyung administration, now in its second year. Unlike the local elections held four years ago immediately after the presidential election, this year’s vote takes place just one year after martial law, impeachment, and a change of government. Key points to watch include whether the Democratic Party of Korea, which has won both the general and presidential elections in succession, will also secure local power, and whether the People Power Party, which controlled local governments four years ago, can stage a comeback. The Asia Business Daily examines the major variables and the electoral landscape during the official campaign period.

In the upcoming 9th nationwide local elections on June 3, the most closely watched battlegrounds for both ruling and opposition parties are the Seoul, Busan, and Daegu mayoral races. Additionally, the Jeonbuk gubernatorial race has emerged as a focal point. The outcomes of these four contests are expected to influence inter-party relations and the internal dynamics of the ruling party.

On May 20, the day before the official campaign kicks off, a consensus has emerged that the main battlegrounds remain highly competitive. This is a shift from a month ago, when polls indicated an advantage for the ruling party. Traditionally, both sides have focused on Seoul’s direction, but this time, the choices of Busan and Daegu are also drawing significant attention. The Democratic Party is seeking to overturn the race by highlighting the candidacies of Jeon Jaesoo in Busan and Kim Boo Kyum in Daegu. The People Power Party, on the other hand, is defending its home turf with Park Hyungjoon in Busan and Choo Kyungho in Daegu.

◆Seoul Mayoral Race: Defending vs. Regaining

The gap in support between Democratic Party candidate Jung Wonoh and People Power Party candidate Oh Sehoon in the Seoul mayoral race has narrowed compared to the start of the campaign. Recent polls show a close race within the margin of error, but Jung continues to hold a slight lead. Jung, who had come under attack from Oh’s camp, found an opportunity to turn the tide as responsibility for the GTX-A Samseong Station “rebar omission” issue shifted toward the city government. Meanwhile, Oh is focusing on real estate issues in an attempt to sway Seoul voters.

◆Busan Mayoral Race: Organization vs. Individual

In the Busan mayoral race, some polls have shown Jeon Jaesoo leading within the margin of error, but others indicate an extremely tight contest, resulting in a complicated landscape. During televised debates, controversies centered on allegations that Jeon accepted a Unification Church Cartier watch and accusations that Park Hyungjoon failed to fulfill his campaign pledge to sell LCT. Jeon is promoting early establishment of the Southeast Region Investment Corporation and relocating the headquarters of shipping companies such as HMM. Park, meanwhile, is emphasizing the relocation of the Korea Development Bank to Busan and the transfer of other public institutions. While Busan has traditionally been a stronghold for the People Power Party’s organization, attention is focused on whether Jeon’s emphasis on individual merit will yield results.

◆Daegu Mayoral Race: All-Out Battle of Destiny

While the People Power Party experienced internal confusion over its Daegu mayoral nomination, Kim Boo Kyum gained momentum in polling and public opinion, but recent surveys show a back-and-forth lead. Kim is working to broaden his appeal beyond the conservative base and argues that, as the ruling party candidate, he can drive Daegu’s development. Choo Kyungho, meanwhile, is emphasizing Daegu’s identity as the “heart of conservatism” and highlighting his experience as Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs. The Democratic Party is hoping for a breakthrough in the traditionally unyielding Daegu mayoral race, while the People Power Party has launched an all-out campaign, tying the party leadership’s fate to retaining Daegu.

◆Jeonbuk Governor: Ruling Party Power Dynamics

Jeonbuk has traditionally been considered a Democratic Party stronghold, where the party’s primary was widely viewed as the main contest. However, this year the situation is different. Kim Kwanyoung, an independent candidate expelled from the Democratic Party, is in a close race within the margin of error against Lee Wontak, the Democratic Party’s Jeonbuk gubernatorial candidate. The main issue revolves around allegations of unfairness during the party’s nomination process, particularly regarding Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheongrae’s response. Lee is campaigning as the best candidate for Jeonbuk’s development in cooperation with both the government and the party, while Kim is appealing to voters’ desire for choice and leading a public opinion campaign.

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