[June 3 Election] From May 18 Cemetery to Market Alleys... Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Mayor Candidates Begin First Vote Drive

Min Hyung-bae: "Major Transformation for an Integrated Jeonnam-Gwangju"
Lee Junghyun: "Political Change in Honam"
Lee Jonguk: "A New Political Order"
Kang Eunmi: "Just Economic Transformation"
Kim Gwangman Focuses on Eastern Region Campaigning

On May 21, the official campaign for the June 3 local elections began, and candidates in various parts of Gwangju and Jeonnam were seen visiting early morning market alleys, intersections during commuters’ hours, and even the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery. Candidates entered a full-fledged competition for votes by greeting citizens, shaking hands, and appealing for support on platforms focused on people’s livelihoods, the local economy, and political reform.

Min Hyung-bae, the Democratic Party candidate, began his official campaign schedule at 6 a.m. that day by visiting Yangdong Market in Seo-gu, Gwangju. Candidate Min walked through the market alleys, meeting merchants and citizens, handing out business cards, and exchanging greetings. He then visited Unam Intersection, the gateway to Gwangju, to greet citizens on their way to work, followed by a visit to the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery with other Democratic Party candidates from Gwangju and attending a campaign launch ceremony.

Candidate Min stated, "Now is the time for Jeonnam-Gwangju, united beyond the division orchestrated by Chun Doo-hwan’s military regime, to open the door to a great leap forward." He added, "This election marks the starting point of a major transition." He continued, "I will create a dynamic city where young people choose to stay, and a land of opportunity that attracts businesses on its own," stressing, "The success of an integrated Jeonnam-Gwangju will become a key driving force for Korea’s major transformation."

Afterwards, Candidate Min continued his campaign across Gwangju, including a focused rally at the Buk-gu District Office intersection and attending a citizens’ sovereignty government pledge ceremony at May 18 Democracy Plaza.

Yonhap News Agency

Lee Junghyun, the People Power Party candidate, visited the Gwangju Western Agricultural Products Market that morning, meeting merchants and seeking to win votes. Candidate Lee exchanged morning greetings with market merchants and listened to local economic conditions and issues affecting people’s livelihoods.

Candidate Lee said, "Votes from the Honam region are not just numbers; they are a force that moves central politics," and emphasized, "If it goes just above 30%, the political circle’s perspective on Gwangju and Jeonnam can change." He urged, "Please begin change so that this is no longer just a given support base, but a respected region," stressing, "This election should be one that transforms Honam’s political landscape."

On this day, Candidate Lee continued his campaign in the eastern part of Jeonnam, including Suncheon, Yeosu, and Gwangyang, after finishing his campaign activities in Gwangju.

Lee Jonguk, the Progressive Party candidate, launched his full-scale election campaign with a campaign kick-off ceremony in front of the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery that morning. With about 200 party officials and campaign workers in attendance, Candidate Lee said, "The Democratic Party alone has been insufficient for the politics of Gwangju and Jeonnam," adding, "By adding the new wing that is the Progressive Party, I will create a politics of competition and cooperation." He emphasized, "I will open the future of an integrated special city where citizens are the true owners," and added, "New politics that go beyond the two-party system are needed."

Candidate Lee’s schedule that day included meeting with workers from the Buk-gu Facilities Management Corporation, visiting the Gwangju City Office of Education, and attending a joint citizens’ sovereignty city declaration event.

Kang Eunmi, the Justice Party candidate, held a joint campaign launch ceremony that morning at Formosa Intersection in Mokpo, Jeonnam, kicking off her official campaign. Candidate Kang began her first campaign activity earlier at 4:30 a.m. by meeting cleaning workers in Mokpo, followed by greeting commuters at the Mokpo Regional Office of Oceans and Fisheries intersection and in front of the main branch of Seoyeongam Nonghyup.

At the launch ceremony, Candidate Kang stated, "Through a just economic transformation, I will create an integrated special city where everyone enjoys a universal life," adding, "I will establish a self-sustaining local economic ecosystem so that the 20 trillion won in incentives promised by the government can circulate within the region." She also emphasized, "By establishing a 15-minute care zone and promoting free transportation, I will take responsibility for citizens’ daily lives," and stated, "I will create a special city where not only a particular party’s power is amplified, but where the voices of citizens are truly heard."

Candidate Kang continued her campaign by visiting regions such as Naman in Muan and the Shinsegae Intersection in Gwangju on her first day.

Independent candidate Kim Gwangman began his official campaign in a relatively calm atmosphere, focusing on visit-based campaigning mainly in the eastern part of Jeonnam, including Suncheon, Gwangyang, and Gokseong.

Meanwhile, the official campaign period will continue until June 2, the day before the election.

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