Kang Seonghwi Leads Mokpo Mayoral Race with 30.5%

by Jung Seunghyun

Published 10 Mar.2026 13:19(KST)

Lee Hokyun at 21.5%, followed by Jeon Kyungseon at 19.5%

Graph of the Mokpo Mayor public opinion survey conducted by Hangil Research commissioned by Poli News on the 9th. Provided by the election office of Mayor Seonghwi Kang of Mokpo.

Kang Seonghwi, a preliminary candidate for Mokpo mayor from the Democratic Party of Korea, has taken the lead in a recently conducted opinion poll.

This opinion poll, commissioned by Pulinews and conducted by Hangil Research on March 9, surveyed 700 Mokpo residents aged 18 or older between March 5 and 6, 2026.

In terms of support for Mokpo mayoral candidates, Kang Seonghwi led with 30.5%, followed by Lee Hokyun at 21.5% and Jeon Kyungseon at 19.5%.

In the Democratic Party candidate suitability poll, Kang also ranked first with 33.5%, followed by Lee Hokyun at 25.2% and Jeon Kyungseon at 22.3%.

Notably, in the survey among Democratic Party rights party members, Kang Seonghwi earned 35.0% support, securing higher backing than his competitors.

By region, Kang maintained the leading position in all areas of Mokpo.

In Area 1 (Wonsan-dong, Yeonsan-dong, Yonghae-dong), Kang Seonghwi received 35.4%, Jeon Kyungseon 19.3%, Lee Hokyun 16.4%, and Park Hongryul 11.5%.

In Area 2 (Bukhang-dong, Jukgyo-dong, Sanjeong-dong, Daeseong-dong, Mokwon-dong, Yudal-dong, Dongmyeong-dong, Manho-dong), Kang Seonghwi had 31.0%, Lee Hokyun 20.9%, Jeon Kyungseon 18.7%, and Park Hongryul 12.2%.

In Area 3 (Yongdang 1-dong, Yongdang 2-dong, Yeon-dong, Samhak-dong, Iro-dong, Hadang-dong), Kang Seonghwi received 29.1%, Lee Hokyun 21.2%, Jeon Kyungseon 18.9%, and Park Hongryul 12.7%.

In Area 4 (Samhyang-dong, Okgam-dong, Sang-dong, Buhung-dong, Sinhyeong-dong, Bujoo-dong), Kang Seonghwi had 28.9%, Lee Hokyun 24.4%, Jeon Kyungseon 20.3%, and Park Hongryul 6.9%.

In the Democratic Party candidate suitability poll by region, Kang recorded 39.0% in Area 1, 40.5% in Area 2, 31.9% in Area 3, and 28.2% in Area 4, maintaining a leading trend across all areas.

Kang Seonghwi's campaign stated, "These poll results reflect that both rights party members and citizens have recognized Kang Seonghwi's competitiveness and potential to win in the general election," adding, "It has been confirmed that he is the most competitive candidate for the Democratic Party's victory."

The campaign further emphasized, "Mokpo is at a turning point, requiring major changes in industry, population, and financial structure. Kang is a prepared candidate who will transform Mokpo's future through establishing an offshore wind power industry base, converting the city to an RE100 industrial city, and revitalizing the old downtown."

They added, "It has been confirmed that in the Democratic Party primary, the candidate chosen by both party members and citizens ultimately wins in the general election. We will continue to humbly listen to the will of citizens and party members throughout the remainder of the campaign."

Meanwhile, this survey was conducted entirely through wireless virtual number ARS, with a margin of error of ±3.7 percentage points at a 95% confidence level. Gender, age, and regional weights were applied based on the Ministry of the Interior and Safety’s resident registration population as of the end of February 2026. Full details are available on the website of the National Election Survey Deliberation Commission.