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 3 local elections approach, the Gyeonggi Province gubernatorial race is shaping up to be a three-way contest, with a noticeable difference in the pace of preparations between the ruling and opposition parties. The Democratic Party of Korea has confirmed Choo Mi-ae as its candidate and launched its campaign, while the People Power Party is still conducting a primary among preliminary candidates Yang Hyangja, Lee Seongbae, and Ham Jingyu to determine its final nominee. Meanwhile, the Reform Party has seen former lawmaker Cho Eungcheon declare his candidacy.

According to political insiders on the 27th, Choo has begun her official schedule and is accelerating her campaign efforts. By confirming its candidate early, the Democratic Party aims to secure the initiative through swift organizational restructuring and proactive outreach in the region.

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.

On the other hand, concerns have been raised within the conservative bloc that delays in finalizing their candidate could disrupt their election preparations. As the People Power Party's Gyeonggi Province gubernatorial primary continues, the selection of the final nominee is being pushed back, making it difficult to conduct sufficient on-site campaigning across all 31 cities and counties in this large-scale election.

In response, National Assembly members representing Gyeonggi Province have announced the formation of an "independent election committee" even before the final candidate is confirmed. This move is seen as an attempt to shift the momentum and turn the tide in the gubernatorial 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 asserting they are the best choice to compete against Choo Mi-ae of the Democratic Party. The second debate is scheduled for the 28th, and the party's nomination committee plans to confirm the final candidate on the 2nd of next month.

In the Reform Party, former lawmaker Cho Eungcheon has officially declared his candidacy, aiming to expand the party's presence as a third force. On this day, Cho emphasized, "Rather than the establishment candidates from the two main parties whom voters are reluctant to support, I am the only one people truly want to vote for," appealing to voters fatigued by traditional politics.

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