Seoul Mayoral Race Lineup for Ruling and Opposition Parties Finalized Over the Weekend

The final lineup for the Seoul mayoral race, considered the most pivotal battleground in the 9th nationwide local elections scheduled for June 3, will be completed on April 18. In the early stages, Jeong Wono, the Democratic Party of Korea's candidate for Seoul mayor, is leading, but the People Power Party is also preparing to expand its support base.

Park Sumin, a candidate for the People Power Party's Seoul mayoral primary (from left), former lawmaker Yoon Heesook, and Seoul Mayor Oh Sehoon posed for photos on the 10th at the Channel A studio in Jongno-gu, Seoul, during the party's second TV debate for the Seoul mayoral race. Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers Group, Yonhap News Agency

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According to the People Power Party on April 17, the results of the Seoul mayoral primary will be finalized in the morning of April 18. While candidates such as Park Sumin, Member of the National Assembly, and former Member of the National Assembly Yoon Heesook have entered the race, observers view incumbent Seoul Mayor Oh Sehun as the strongest contender.

Once the candidates from both major parties are confirmed, the competition for support is expected to intensify. According to recent polls for the Seoul mayoral race, candidate Jeong is showing a lead beyond the margin of error in hypothetical matchups against Oh and other People Power Party contenders. However, experts predict that as the campaign heats up, the gap in support will narrow. Eom Kyungyoung, Director of the Zeitgeist Research Institute, commented, "As election day approaches, conservative voters are likely to consolidate their support."

Kim Jaeseop, Member of the National Assembly from the People Power Party, stated, "The Democratic Party enjoyed a convention effect by confirming its candidate early, but once the People Power Party's candidate is finalized, we can expect a similar boost in approval ratings." He added, "In Seoul, even a difference of around 15 percentage points would be considered a respectable showing."

Jung Cheong-rae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, attended the onsite Supreme Council meeting held on the 17th at the election office of Kang Tae-woong, Democratic Party candidate for mayor of Yongsan-gu, Seoul. He put a party jumper on Jung Won-oh, the Democratic Party's candidate for Seoul mayor, and took a commemorative photo. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

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The Democratic Party is also planning to prepare for the Seoul mayoral race without becoming complacent about current polling trends. The on-site Supreme Council meeting held in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on April 17, was part of this effort.

The Supreme Council meeting was attended by party leader Jeong Cheongrae, Seoul mayoral candidate Jeong Wono, Yongsan District Office candidate Kang Taewoong, and other Seoul and Yongsan-gu candidates for the June 3 local elections.

Party leader Jeong stated, "Candidate Jeong Wono is a proven worker officially endorsed by the Democratic Party and highly praised by residents of Seongdong-gu. As the only three-term district head in Seoul, he is an administrator who brought about the 'miracle of Seongdong-gu.'" Jeong encouraged candidate Jeong by helping him put on a blue party jumper. Candidate Jeong remarked, "I will ensure that Seoul serves as a gateway for Korea's capital and talent to reach the world."

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