Independent Jeonbuk Mayors and County Chiefs Draw Attention Over Potential Democratic Party Membership

Outlook for Strong Democratic Party Performance in Next Year's Local Elections as Four Group Leaders' Moves Draw Attention

From the left, Jeong Heon-yul, Mayor of Iksan; Hwang In-hong, County Governor of Muju; Shim Min, County Governor of Imsil; Yu Gi-sang, County Governor of Gochang.

[Jeonju=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Han-ho] Whether the currently independent mayors and county heads of Jeonbuk will join the Democratic Party of Korea has emerged as another key point of interest ahead of next year’s local elections.

With the Democratic Party expected to maintain its stronghold in next year’s local elections, the choices of these four local leaders could significantly influence the election outcome.

Among the 14 city and county heads in the province, four are independents: Mayor Jeong Heon-yul of Iksan, County Head Hwang In-hong of Muju, County Head Shim Min of Imsil, and County Head Yoo Gi-sang of Gochang.

Mayor Jeong Heon-yul and County Head Yoo Gi-sang were elected as members of the Democratic Peace Party in the 2018 local elections. County Heads Hwang In-hong and Shim Min won their posts riding an independent wave.

Since then, in last year’s general election, the Democratic Party swept 9 out of 10 seats in Jeonbuk. Unless there are special variables, the Democratic Party’s dominance is expected to continue in next year’s local elections.

Accordingly, attention is focused on whether the two-term Mayor Jeong Heon-yul and County Head Shim Min, and the first-term County Heads Hwang In-hong and Yoo Gi-sang will secure re-election by joining the Democratic Party or create another upset like four years ago by opposing the party’s dominance.

For now, Mayor Jeong Heon-yul appears to be stepping back from previously reported active efforts to join the party. He says it is not yet the stage to announce his decision on party membership.

A close aide to Mayor Jeong said, “The talk that he is staking everything on joining the party seems to come from Democratic Party competitors. For now, focusing on city administration is the priority, and all possibilities that help the city’s development remain open.”

However, analysts interpret moves such as hiring a former local journalist as an external policy advisor (Grade 4), suddenly replacing the secretary-general in June this year, and recruiting party members as strategic steps toward joining the party.

County Head Hwang In-hong is continuing to explore joining the Democratic Party.

He is hopeful due to smooth relations with National Assembly member Ahn Ho-young and presidential candidate Chung Sye-kyun, as well as favorable public opinion within the region regarding his party membership.

A Muju County secretary’s office official said, “Not only local residents but also Democratic Party members give high marks to the county head’s job performance and communication,” adding, “We expect the party membership to be realized positively.”

On the other hand, County Heads Yoo Gi-sang and Shim Min seem to be keeping some distance.

Strong opposition from Democratic Party candidates preparing to run for county head and the belief that they can win without joining the party appear to be factors.

County Head Yoo said, “I have been reflecting a lot on the saying, ‘Go proudly like a rhinoceros horn in the wilderness.’”

He continued, “Until now, I have run focusing solely on the residents. Concentrating on county administration is the greatest asset in the election,” emphasizing this point.

Locally, Yoo’s solid support base and high approval for his administration suggest that he has a good chance of re-election without putting all his efforts into joining the Democratic Party.

County Head Shim also drew a line, stating he currently has no plans to join the party.

A close aide to Shim said, “The decision on running for a third term has not been made yet, and joining the Democratic Party will be decided afterward.”

Given Shim’s success in being re-elected as an independent, public opinion largely holds that joining the Democratic Party is not a priority if he runs for a third term.

Nevertheless, considering that these four local leaders have shown their competitiveness in past elections, there is no disagreement that their party membership is directly linked to whether the Democratic Party achieves a landslide victory in next year’s local elections.

In Jeonbuk, election results have followed a pattern: the Democratic Party’s collapse in the 2016 general election, the strong performance of the Democratic Peace Party and independents in the 2018 local elections, and the Democratic Party’s landslide victory in last year’s general election.

Therefore, the entry of independent local leaders with proven competitiveness into the Democratic Party is seen as a safety net for the party’s overwhelming victory.

However, overcoming opposition and challenges from party candidates in a situation where winning the party primary almost guarantees election remains a significant hurdle for independent local leaders.

Jeonju=Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Han-ho stonepeak@asiae.co.kr