The Democratic Party's Seoul mayoral candidates Lee Nak-yeon, Song Young-gil, and Park Ju-min are being mentioned to challenge People Power Party's Mayor Oh Se-hoon, with Professor Lee Guk-jong of Ajou University Hospital also rapidly emerging.
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Interest in the candidates for the 8th term Seoul mayoral election, scheduled for June 1, is gradually increasing.
According to political circles on the 23rd, among the Democratic Party candidates who will face the current Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon of the People Power Party, two-term lawmaker Park Ju-min (Eunpyeong) was the first to announce his intention to run, while former party leaders Lee Nak-yeon and Song Young-gil are also being mentioned.
Along with them, Professor Lee Guk-jong, a trauma surgery specialist at Ajou University Hospital, is also being discussed.
Accordingly, with Mayor Oh Se-hoon of the People Power Party preparing for a fourth term as Seoul mayor, the Democratic Party candidates expected to run against him include former leaders Lee Nak-yeon and Song Young-gil, lawmaker Park Ju-min, and Professor Lee Guk-jong.
A political insider said, “At present, former leader Lee Nak-yeon seems most likely to become the Democratic Party’s Seoul mayoral candidate,” adding, “However, former leader Song Young-gil is also rapidly rising.”
Former leader Lee Nak-yeon is known as the leading figure among the Democratic Party’s Seoul mayoral candidates, boasting a distinguished career as a five-term lawmaker, former governor of Jeollanam-do, prime minister, and party leader.
Former leader Song Young-gil also has an impressive background as former mayor of Incheon, five-term lawmaker, and party leader, and is mentioned as a potential next presidential candidate, with many supporters within the party backing him as a Seoul mayoral candidate.
Additionally, a Seoul city council member said, “Since last night, Professor Lee Guk-jong has been rapidly gaining favor among Seoul city council members.”
Meanwhile, political parties such as the People Power Party and the Democratic Party are expected to select candidates for Seoul mayor, district mayors, and city and district council members by mid-next month.
Accordingly, each party is gradually accelerating the nomination process, including accepting documents from preliminary candidates.
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