Official Candidacy Announcement on the 28th of This Month... Fierce Competition Expected in the Democratic Party Primary Race
[Jeonju=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Han-ho] Former three-term National Assembly member Yu Seong-yeop is set to challenge for the position of Governor of Jeonbuk Province in the 8th nationwide simultaneous local elections, raising expectations that the Democratic Party's gubernatorial primary will once again be shaken up.
At the same time, whether former Assemblyman Yu can finally attain the governorship he has long sought on his third attempt is emerging as a key point of interest.
Former Assemblyman Yu plans to officially announce his candidacy for Jeonbuk Governor at a press conference on the 28th of this month.
In a phone interview, Yu said, "Jeonbuk's prolonged stagnation and crisis stem from a crisis of strategy and leadership," adding, "I will bring about change through bold actions and instill confidence and hope for regional development to the 1.78 million residents of the province by showing them that 'it can be done.'"
Born in Jeongeup, Yu passed the civil service exam and retired from public office after serving as Director of the Economic and Trade Bureau of Jeonbuk Province. He was then elected as the mayor of Jeongeup in the 3rd direct election in 2002 as a member of the Millennium Democratic Party.
Subsequently, in the 18th and 19th general elections, he made waves by winning two consecutive terms as an independent candidate in Jeongeup. In the 20th general election, he was elected for a third term as a member of the People's Party representing Jeongeup City and Gochang County, but he suffered defeat in the 21st general election in 2020.
Before the 20th presidential election, Yu rejoined the Democratic Party following its national unity efforts.
Yu's third run for governor is also drawing attention.
Despite opposition from those around him, he ran in the 2006 Democratic Party gubernatorial primary during the 4th direct local elections but lost to Governor Kim Wan-joo (4th-5th terms). In 2014, he challenged the Democratic United Party's Jeonbuk gubernatorial primary but again failed to overcome the incumbent Governor Song Ha-jin (6th-7th terms).
After being thwarted twice at the primary stage, this time represents a chance for Yu to make a comeback.
Yu stated, "I pride myself on being the most thoroughly prepared candidate for governor," and vowed, "If it is for the benefit of Jeonbuk, I will work tirelessly before and after the election."
He emphasized his unique strength as the only gubernatorial candidate with balanced experience in administration, politics, and both local and central government, asserting that he will definitely win.
With Yu joining the race, the Democratic Party's gubernatorial primary, expected to take place as early as mid-next month, is anticipated to become even more intense.
Currently, a scenario is forming where four current and former National Assembly members are jointly challenging incumbent Governor Song Ha-jin, who is seeking a third term.
Following Assemblyman Ahn Ho-young (Wanju, Jinan, Muju, Jangsu) on the 22nd, former Assemblyman Kim Gwan-young declared his candidacy on the 24th. Then, former Assemblyman Yu Seong-yeop is scheduled to announce on the 28th, and Assemblyman Kim Yoon-duk (Jeonju Gap) on the 29th. Additionally, Kim Jae-sun, Jeonbuk representative of the Roh Moo-hyun Presidential Spirit Succession Alliance, has also declared his candidacy.
Originally expected to be a three-way race among Governor Song Ha-jin, Assemblyman Ahn Ho-young, and Assemblyman Kim Yoon-duk, the multi-candidate contest is likely to result in a fiercely competitive primary with no clear outcome in the near term.
Jeonju=Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Han-ho stonepeak@asiae.co.kr
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