[22nd General Election Who Will Run] Jeonnam Yeosu (Eul)

Incumbent vs Former Mayor vs Pro-Myeong Candidates in Fierce Clash

Gukim and Jinbo Parties Also Launch Campaigns with Candidates

The Jeonnam Yeosu-si Eul electoral district is expected to see fierce competition as heavyweight candidates vie for the nomination amid the re-election bid of Kim Hoe-jae, a member of the National Assembly from the Democratic Party of Korea. Former Yeosu Mayor Kwon Oh-bong and Cho Gye-won, deputy spokesperson of the Democratic Party’s central committee, are heating up the election by challenging the incumbent’s stronghold.

Assemblyman Kim Hoe-jae smoothly began his political career in Yeouido by running as the Democratic Party candidate in the 21st National Assembly election, winning with a high vote share of 71.58%. He has made great efforts to address current issues by visiting the National Assembly, the Seoul metropolitan area, and various local constituencies.

As a member of the National Assembly’s Transportation Committee, he laid the foundation for regional development by securing the start of construction for the Yeosu-Namhae Undersea Tunnel, initiating SRT operations on the Jeolla Line, having the KTX Jeolla Line high-speed project included in the national railway network plan, and expanding the Yeosu Airport parking lot. He is praised for his ability to devise measures for major local issues through sharp analytical and judgment skills.

Kim is targeting voters with promises to ▲block the Yoon Seok-yeol administration’s ‘Prosecutor Republic’ and push for reform of power institutions ▲achieve an overwhelming victory in the 22nd National Assembly election to restore the economy and livelihoods led by the Democratic Party ▲restore the status of Yeosu as a representative city of Honam through balanced regional development.

Former Yeosu Mayor Kwon Oh-bong, regarded as a strong contender, has thrown his hat in the ring leveraging over 40 years of public service and administrative experience. A graduate of the Administrative Examination, he served as Director General of Fiscal Policy at the Ministry of Strategy and Finance, Deputy Governor of Jeollanam-do, and Head of the Gwangyang Bay Area Free Economic Zone Authority.

He has experience in both central and local administration. Known as an expert in economics, finance, and administration, he is also evaluated to have a solid support base in the region.

He promised to build a large convention center at the 2012 Yeosu World Expo site, resume the Gyeongdo Marine Tourism Complex project, attract investment to the Hwayang Free Economic Zone, operate international flights at Yeosu Airport, establish cardiovascular and emergency medical centers, create a Yeosu Peace Park commemorating the Yeosu-Suncheon Incident at its origin, introduce doctor helicopters for emergency medical systems in island areas and petrochemical complexes, and secure passenger ships for island villages.

Cho Gye-won, deputy spokesperson of the Democratic Party’s central committee, is a prominent pro-Lee Jae-myung candidate who served as the first policy chief during Lee’s tenure as Governor of Gyeonggi Province. He has continuously raised his profile by running in the 20th general election for the Yeosu Gap district and the 8th local election for Yeosu mayor, though he has faced defeats each time. Low recognition in the region remains a challenge he must overcome.

Despite this weakness, he gained attention by staging a solo picket protest criticizing the current government at Ssangbong Intersection in Yeosu. He is cultivating his voter base by appearing at various events throughout the region.

From the People Power Party, Kim Hee-taek, chairman of the Jeonnam Provincial Party’s External Cooperation Committee, has registered as a preliminary candidate and is actively campaigning. He served as vice president of the Yeosu Fisheries University Alumni Association and currently operates Nel Comprehensive Environment located in Boseong.

From the Progressive Party, Yeo Chan, co-chairman of the Yeosu City regional committee, has entered the race emphasizing a youthful image. Born in 1995, he is the youngest among the preliminary candidates in the Gwangju-Jeonnam region. He decided to run to ‘change the Republic of Korea where youth have no future.’ He has served as organizational director of the Gwangju-Jeonnam branch of the National Union of Chemical, Textile, and Food Industry Workers, rallying support from the labor sector.