What Happens to the By-election in Changwon Yanggu, a Conservative Stronghold, After Lawmaker Park Wansu's Departure?

Democratic Party's Kim Jisoo, People Power Party's Kim Youngsun and Kim Jongyang Mentioned as Candidates

Administrative district of Uichang-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongnam.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Seryeong] With Park Wansu confirmed as the People Power Party's candidate for Governor of Gyeongnam Province, the by-election for the vacant Changwon Chang-gu National Assembly seat has also been ignited.

Park won the primary held from the 20th to the 21st against former Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Lee Ju-young, becoming the candidate for Governor of Gyeongnam Province in the nationwide local elections this June.

According to the People Power Party's Nomination Management Committee, former Minister Lee received 42.11% of the primary vote, while Park secured 55.00%.

With his confirmation as the Gyeongnam governor candidate, Park plans to resign from his National Assembly seat for Changwon Chang-gu by the 30th of this month and begin full-scale election campaigning.

The Gyeongnam Provincial Election Commission plans to hold by-elections requiring voting between February 1 and April 30 together with the nationwide local elections on June 1.

Currently, candidates expected to run in the Changwon Chang-gu by-election include Kim Jisoo, a Gyeongnam Provincial Assembly member from the Democratic Party of Korea; Kim Youngseon, former leader of the Grand National Party and member of the People Power Party; and Kim Jongyang, former Interpol president who served as police chief in Gyeongnam and Gyeonggi provinces.

Given that this electoral district, known as a conservative stronghold, has never elected a progressive candidate, fierce competition is expected within the People Power Party.