Who Are the Candidates Running for Metropolitan Mayors and Governors in the June 3 Elections [Comprehensive]

Except for the People Power Party's Gyeonggi gubernatorial candidate, who will be decided on May 2, the matchups for the metropolitan and provincial governors in the June 3 local elections have been set. The June 3 local elections will be held one year after the inauguration of the Lee Jaemyung administration. Historically, it is a political rule that the ruling party wins elections held early in a new administration. In the June 2018 local elections, held one year after the Moon Jae-in administration took office, the ruling Democratic Party won 14 out of 17 metropolitan and provincial governor posts. In the June 2022 local elections, held just three months after the Yoon Suk-yeol administration began, the People Power Party won 12 out of 17 positions. While the margin of victory may differ, the ruling party's triumph has remained constant. What will be the outcome of this June 3 election?

This election is the first to be held under the Lee Jaemyung administration. It is a decisive contest to determine whether the current government, which holds both legislative and executive power, will also seize control of local governments. The ruling Democratic Party of Korea is appealing for support, asking the public to "help us continue the practical policy direction of the Lee Jaemyung administration." The opposition People Power Party, on the other hand, is advocating for 'checks and balances,' requesting the public to "grant us the minimum power needed to keep the government in check." The president's high approval rating serves as a strong backing for the ruling party. In contrast, the opposition's low approval rating raises questions about its ability to rally 'check-and-balance votes.'

According to a report by the Kyunghyang Shinmun, as of April 28, polling experts have assessed that the ruling Democratic Party of Korea holds an advantage in Gyeonggi, Incheon, Honam, Chungcheong, Gangwon, and Jeju. The only region where the People Power Party is firmly in the lead is North Gyeongsang Province. Ultimately, the key battlegrounds for this election are Seoul, Daegu, Busan, Ulsan, and South Gyeongsang Province. The outcome in these regions is likely to significantly influence how the local election results are evaluated.

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In particular, the results in Seoul are expected to play a decisive role in evaluating this local election. Kim Bongshin, CEO of Meta Voice, commented, "While Jeong Wono, the Democratic Party candidate, continues to lead, the gap is likely to narrow. In May, there are key tax issues such as general income tax and the end of the transfer tax penalty moratorium. In addition, the Middle East conflict, and the confrontation between arguments for political stability and for checks on government power, will impact the local election." He analyzed that predicting the outcome at this point is not easy. It is also expected that the candidates will unveil their final strategies to mobilize their supporters to the polls. In addition to the personal showdown between Oh Sehoon and Jeong Wono, other variables include how much the opposition's 'checks and balances' appeal will resonate with Seoul voters, whether People Power Party leader Jang Donghyuk will change his stance or direction, and the evaluation of each party's real estate policies.

Daegu is the hotspot of this election. With former Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum running as the Democratic Party candidate, attention is focused on whether a Democratic mayor will emerge in Daegu, which is known as the "heart of conservatism." In response, the People Power Party has confirmed former Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Choo Kyungho as its candidate. The result of the Kim Boo-kyum versus Choo Kyungho contest is expected to have a substantial impact on the political landscape after the local elections. Particularly, if Kim emerges victorious, he will establish himself as a strong contender for the Democratic Party's next leadership. If the "Daegu victory" is added to his resume, which already includes four terms as a National Assembly member, service as Minister of the Interior and Safety, and Prime Minister, his political prominence will undoubtedly soar. One close aide to Kim commented, "In Daegu, conservative votes have always consolidated at the last minute. We must remain vigilant. We need to secure at least a 15% lead to ensure victory."

On the afternoon of the 26th, at the opening ceremony of the Hope Camp election office of Kim Boo-kyum, the Democratic Party of Korea's preliminary candidate for mayor of Daegu, held near Duryu Station in Dalseo-gu, Daegu, Kim Boo-kyum is giving a speech. Photo by Yonhap News

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In Ulsan, the future political alignment is of critical importance. Currently, there is a five-way race among Kim Sangwook (Democratic Party), Kim Dookyum (People Power Party), Hwang Myungpil (Cho Kuk Innovation Party), Kim Jonghoon (Progressive Party), and Park Maengwoo (Independent). However, the Democratic Party, Cho Kuk Innovation Party, and Progressive Party have agreed-through civil society mediation-to unify their candidacies by May 13. As a result, the dynamics of the race are expected to shift dramatically. This "unification" factor is not only a game changer in the Ulsan mayoral race but also in the by-election in Pyeongtaek, where Cho Kuk, leader of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, is running, as well as in other local and by-elections overall. Whether Independent candidate Park Maengwoo will see the campaign through to the end, join the Reform Party, or unify with Kim Dookyum for a conservative alliance, are also key points to watch in the Ulsan mayoral race.

In Busan, attention is focused on the level of synergy between People Power Party candidate Park Hyungjun and Han Donghoon, the former party leader running as an independent in the Busan Buk-gap by-election. One of Park's key aides remarked, "The primary concern is whether former leader Han can establish a clear two-way race with the Democratic Party candidate." If Han's candidacy results in the consolidation of conservative votes, it will serve as a solid stepping stone for Park, who is aiming for a third term as mayor. Han, for his part, will also have his own points to make. However, it is too early to make a definitive judgment. Jeon Jaesu, the Democratic Party candidate, is highlighting his credentials as a strong ruling party candidate, emphasizing Busan's status as a "maritime capital."

Park Hyungjun, the mayor of Busan seeking a third term, declared his candidacy at the opening ceremony of the primary election office set up in a building in Bujeon-dong, Busanjin-gu, on the 28th, while performing an uppercut ceremony. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

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In South Gyeongsang Province, Democratic Party candidate Kim Kyungsoo and People Power Party candidate Park Wansoo are engaged in a fierce contest. On April 27, Park held his campaign launch at the National March 15 Democratic Cemetery and, as his first official activity, visited the tomb of former President Roh Moohyun in Bongha Village, Gimhae. This is seen as a confident move toward "integration and expansion." In response, Kim has pledged to restore the Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam megacity and establish a "30-minute living zone" through the construction of four major rail networks. Meanwhile, both sides are waging intense public campaigns against each other, with Park declaring, "We cannot entrust the provincial administration to those who manipulated comments online," and Kim retorting, "It is inappropriate to seek another term after failing as a provincial governor."

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