[6·3 Election] Who Will Win the Democratic Party’s Final Ticket for Wando County Mayor?... Hongseop Woo vs. Youngbae Ji in a Showdown

The Democratic Party of Korea's primary for the Wando County mayoral election in South Jeolla Province for the 6·3 local elections has been narrowed down to a two-way runoff between Hongseop Woo and Youngbae Ji, setting the stage for a razor-thin, unpredictable contest.

This runoff will be held over two days, from April 21 to 22, using a “citizen participation primary” system, with 50% of the result determined by party members and 50% by a general public opinion poll. The final winner is expected to be determined late at night on April 22. With the three-term tenure of County Mayor Shin Woo-cheol coming to an end, the seat is now open. Both candidates, relying on their respective strengths and solid support bases, are fiercely competing for voter attention.

Hongseop Woo’s greatest strength is his solid “administrative expertise,” built over 31 years of public service. With extensive hands-on experience and a deep understanding of Wando County’s administration, he positions himself as the ideal candidate for steady and stable county governance.

(From left in alphabetical order) Hongseob Woo, Youngbae Ji

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Notably, Shin Eui-jun, a member of the South Jeolla Provincial Council, and Heo Gung-hee, a Wando County Council member-both with strong grassroots support in the region-have officially joined forces with Woo after the main primary, declaring a comprehensive “policy alliance” and joining his campaign. Under the clear slogan “Wando, the Capital of Fisheries; United Wando,” they are focusing their efforts on highlighting Woo’s administrative experience and his leadership in bringing the community together.

In contrast, Youngbae Ji stands out for his “robust network” both inside and outside the region, as well as his characteristic drive. His strongest asset is the clear momentum he has gained during the main primary.

He is also accelerating the expansion of his campaign organization. Lee Cheol, vice chairperson of the South Jeolla Provincial Council, who played a key role in the earlier primary, has now joined Ji’s campaign, further strengthening his support base. Ji’s strategy is to secure a decisive lead among voters in the general public opinion poll, which accounts for 50% of the runoff vote.

Local political observers believe that since both candidates have distinct policy visions and robust support, this primary will serve as a platform to prove their competitiveness in the general election.

Some are concerned about possible aftereffects from the heated primary. However, the prevailing analysis is that if the Democratic Party quickly resolves any conflicts and unites as a “one team” immediately after the primary, the overwhelming individual abilities of both candidates will enable the party to comfortably defend its traditional stronghold in the general election, where independent candidate Kim Shin awaits.

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