DPK Finalizes Nominations in Jeju, Honam, and Daegu... 13 Out of 14 Regions Confirmed

The Democratic Party of Korea has finalized candidates for 13 out of 14 constituencies to be strategically nominated for the by-elections, which will be held concurrently with the June 3 nationwide local elections.

On May 6 at the National Assembly, the Democratic Party’s Strategic Nomination Management Committee announced to reporters that the following candidates have been selected for strategic nomination: Kim Seongbeom, former Vice Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, for Seogwipo, Jeju; Im Munyoung, Standing Vice Chairman of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy Committee, for Gwangsan-eul, Gwangju; Kim Uigyeom, former member of the National Assembly, for Gunsan-Gimje-Buan-gap, North Jeolla Province; Park Jiwon, Supreme Council member, for Gunsan-Gimje-Buan-eul, North Jeolla Province; and Park Hyeongryong, local committee chair, for Dalseong County, Daegu.

(Seoul=Yonhap News) Reporter Bae Jaeman = On May 6th, Cho Seungrae, Secretary General of the Democratic Party of Korea (center), is answering questions related to the strategic nominations of Im Munyoung, Kim Uigyeom, and Park Jiwon for the by-elections in the Honam region, as well as Kim Seongbeom for Seogwipo, Jeju, and Park Hyeongryong for Dalseong, Daegu, at the National Assembly. On the left is Chief Spokesperson Kang Junhyun. On the right is Strategy Planning Chairman Lee Yeonhee. 2026.5.6 Photo by Bae Jaeman

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Chief Spokesperson Kang Junhyun stated, "Vice Minister Kang is the top expert in the maritime and fisheries sector, having devoted 30 years to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and rising to the position of vice minister. In particular, last year, while serving as acting minister, he demonstrated outstanding leadership by successfully leading the Ministry into the Busan era."

Regarding Vice Chairman Im, Kang evaluated, "As someone born and raised in Gwangju who has overseen the AI (artificial intelligence) policy of the Lee Jaemyung administration, candidate Im is the most suitable person to responsibly design the future growth engine for Gwangsan-eul, Gwangju."

About former Assemblyman Kim, Kang said, "As a native of Gunsan and the inaugural head of the Saemangeum Development Authority under the Lee Jaemyung administration, he is the candidate who best understands the Saemangeum project, the region’s most important issue."

Chief Spokesperson Kang continued, "Supreme Council member Park Jiwon is a son of North Jeolla Province and a son-in-law of Gimje who has demonstrated his expertise as a lawyer for regional development in his hometown. With his strong communication skills and drive, he will be a reliable asset who will bring the voices of Gunsan-Gimje-Buan to the National Assembly and central government."

Regarding Chairman Park, Kang added, "He is an expert on Daegu who has dedicated himself quietly for 20 years in one of the most challenging constituencies. With experience as a CEO of a small and medium-sized enterprise and as policy chief at the National Balanced Development Committee, his sincere desire to transform Daegu, the heart of conservatism, into a center of growth will resonate with the citizens of Daegu."

With this, the Democratic Party has completed its nominations for all by-election constituencies except for Gongju-Buyeo-Cheongyang in South Chungcheong Province.

In Gongju-Buyeo-Cheongyang, Park Junghyun, former mayor of Buyeo County, was considered a strong candidate. However, the National Election Commission ruled that candidates running in the same district for a by-election must resign at least 120 days in advance, making Park’s candidacy difficult.

In this regard, Secretary General Cho Seungrae revealed that he is in contact with Won Seongsu, former president of Gongju National University, and a young legal professional. Secretary General Cho explained, "Former President Won is currently running for the superintendent of education in Sejong City, but he attended elementary, middle, and high school in Gongju and, after graduating from university, returned to serve as president of Gongju National University. He is both a native and an educator, and I believe he is the right person for the development of Gongju. I met him in person yesterday to propose the idea, and he is currently considering it."

He added, "Rather than making an immediate decision today or tomorrow, we plan to take some time to consider, but we intend to make a decision no later than Friday."

Previously, the Democratic Party finalized nominations for the following constituencies: Nam-gap, Ulsan (Jeon Taejin); Gyeyang-eul, Incheon (Kim Namjun); Yeonsu-gap, Incheon (Song Younggil); Hanam-gap, Gyeonggi Province (Lee Gwangjae); Ansan-gap, Gyeonggi Province (Kim Namkook); Pyeongtaek-eul, Gyeonggi Province (Kim Yongnam); Buk-gap, Busan (Ha Jeongwoo); and Cheonan-Asan-eul, South Chungcheong Province (Jeon Eunsu).

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