61% of First-Term Lawmakers from Gwangju and Jeonnam in the 22nd National Assembly... High Interest in Demonstrating Capabilities

7 out of 8 in Gwangju and 4 out of 10 in Jeonnam are first-term lawmakers

The proportion of first-term winners among the elected members of the 22nd National Assembly from the Gwangju and Jeonnam regions has reached 61%, raising interest in their ability to demonstrate competence.

According to the Central Election Commission on the 11th, candidates from the Democratic Party of Korea won in all 8 constituencies in Gwangju and 10 constituencies in Jeonnam.

At the nameplate ceremony of the 22nd National Assembly Opening Comprehensive Support Office held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building on the 8th, 300 National Assembly member badges were unveiled. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

In Gwangju, where there was strong demand for replacing incumbents, 7 out of the 8 elected members are first-term, except for Min Hyung-bae, who succeeded in being re-elected.

Lee Nak-yeon, co-chair of the New Future Party, who argued for the need for senior lawmakers with three or more terms and challenged in Gwangsan-gu B, suffered defeat, resulting in the same proportion of first-term members as in the 21st National Assembly. The 21st National Assembly was composed entirely of first-term members except for Song Gap-seok, who was re-elected.

The first-term members from Gwangju in the 22nd National Assembly are Jeong Jin-wook (Dong-gu Nam-gu A), Ahn Do-geol (Dong-gu Nam-gu B), Jo In-cheol (Seo-gu A), Yang Bu-nam (Seo-gu B), Jeong Jun-ho (Buk-gu A), Jeon Jin-suk (Buk-gu B), and Park Gyun-taek (Gwangsan-gu A).

In Jeonnam, with many senior lawmakers elected, the ratio of first-term, re-elected, and senior lawmakers with three or more terms is considered balanced.

Park Ji-won, who ran in Haenam, Wando, and Jindo, succeeded in his fifth term, and Lee Gae-ho, elected in Damyang, Hampyeong, Yeonggwang, and Jangseong, became a four-term lawmaker. Shin Jeong-hoon (Naju Hwasun) and Seo Sam-seok (Yeongam Muan Sinan) were also elected for their third terms, joining the ranks of senior lawmakers. Kim Won-i (Mokpo) and Joo Cheol-hyun (Yeosu A) succeeded in their re-election.

The first-term lawmakers in Jeonnam are Moon Geum-ju (Goheung Boseong Jangheung Gangjin), Jo Gye-won (Yeosu B), Kim Moon-soo (Suncheon Gwangyang Gokseong Gurye A), and Kwon Hyang-yeop (Suncheon Gwangyang Gokseong Gurye B), totaling four.

With many first-term lawmakers among the elected members from Gwangju and Jeonnam, voices are emerging that differentiated competence based on the enthusiasm of political newcomers entering the 22nd National Assembly for the first time is necessary.

A political figure active in the Gwangju area said, "Although Gwangju and Jeonnam vote for the Democratic Party, if they do not show results, there is a strong public opinion for bold replacement of incumbents. It is unfortunate that Gwangju lacks senior lawmakers, but it is a time when the capabilities of first-term members are needed more than ever by joining forces with Jeonnam."