Who Are the Candidates Mentioned for Hwasun County Governor in Next Year's Local Elections?

Incumbent Governor Gu Chung-gon’s Bid for Third Term Draws Intense Attention from Other Candidates

Former and Current Provincial Assembly Members, Former Public Officials ‘Challenge’

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporters Kim Chunsu and Kim Jiwoon] In the nationwide simultaneous local elections scheduled for June 1 next year, the Hwasun County Governor election is drawing the most attention regarding whether the current governor, Gu Chung-gon, will run for a third term.

For a while, there was speculation that Governor Gu might not challenge a third term to pursue a bigger political career, which led to expectations of a flood of candidates.

In the local political circles, there were hints that Governor Gu might not run in order to support former Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun in the presidential election next March, but recently, the focus has shifted toward him running for a third term. On the other hand, some still predict that Governor Gu’s decision remains fluid.

As a two-term governor, Gu is credited with quickly stabilizing the local community, which had been suffering from lawsuits and conflicts between factions during the 6th term of the elected government.

During the 7th term of the elected government, based on a new growth engine, he achieved results in fostering future local industries such as the National Vaccine Safety Technology Support Center and the establishment of the National Immunotherapy Innovation Platform, turning Hwasun into a mecca of the bio-medical industry. His administrative experience and rich political career are considered his strengths.

Gu’s challengers are expected to include former Chairman Kang Soon-pal, former Vice Chairman of Jeollanam-do Council Gu Bok-gyu, Jeollanam-do Assemblyman Moon Haeng-joo, former Jeollanam-do Assemblyman Min Byung-heung, Hwasun Seoul Office Director Lim Gap-su, former Naju Deputy Mayor Jo Jae-yoon, and former Mokpo Deputy Mayor Lee In-gon.

Kang Soon-pal, a Hwasun County Council member, expresses confidence that he can lead Hwasun’s administration well based on his long experience as a council member. Kang served as the chairman of the Hwasun County Council in the first half of the term and entered the 5th council in 2006. With four terms under his belt, he has high recognition among locals and a solid organizational base, which are his greatest strengths.

However, Kang is considered a person close to Governor Gu, and it is known that he will decide whether to run depending on Gu’s decision to seek a third term.

Gu Bok-gyu, former Vice Chairman of Jeollanam-do Council and a former Hwasun County official, first entered the Jeollanam-do Council in its 9th term and currently serves as the Vice Chairman of the 11th Jeollanam-do Council. He has served on the Agriculture and Fisheries Committee, Health and Welfare Environment Committee, and the Special Budget and Accounts Committee.

Moon Haeng-joo, former Jeollanam-do Assemblyman, is also preparing to run. Having experience as a two-term Hwasun County Council member and a two-term Jeollanam-do Assemblyman, he has a strong grassroots local government background and a solid local organization. He has served as Secretary-General of the National Farmers’ Association Jeonnam Federation, special advisor to presidential candidate Moon Jae-in, and chairman of the Democratic Peaceful Unification Advisory Council Hwasun County branch.

Min Byung-heung, former Jeollanam-do Assemblyman, has also declared his candidacy for the Hwasun County Governor election and is actively gauging local public opinion. Min is a three-term former Jeollanam-do Education Committee member, having served as vice chairman of the Jeollanam-do Education Committee and adjunct professor at Gwangyang Health University.

Lim Gap-su, director of the Hwasun County Seoul Office, is appealing to grassroots voters by emphasizing his diverse public service experience. Lim, who ran as a candidate for Hwasun County Governor during the 5th elected government, is a budget expert determined to drive Hwasun’s development through various personal networks in central and local government.

Jo Jae-yoon, former Naju Deputy Mayor, has also expressed his intention to run and is increasing his recognition by touring the region. Jo brings 40 years of public service experience and a deep understanding of local issues to the Hwasun County Governor race.

In addition, Lee In-gon, former Mokpo Deputy Mayor, has announced his candidacy. Lee began his public service career after passing the 21st Technical High Civil Service Examination in 1985 and has served as Deputy Governor of Jindo, Director of Jeollanam-do Maritime and Fisheries Bureau, and Deputy Mayor of Mokpo.