Haenam County Governor Election: Fierce Competition as Myung Hyun-gwan Seeks Third Term

Myung Hyungwan, Advantage in Project Continuity and Incumbency Premium
Park Cheolhwan, Eyes a Comeback... Past Controversies Remain a Variable
Emerging Candidates Include Lee Gilwoon, Kim Sungjoo, and Others
"Stability" vs "Change"... Local

With the 9th Nationwide Local Elections scheduled for June 3 next year, the race for the position of Haenam County Governor in South Jeolla Province is already heating up with fierce competition.

According to the local political community on July 31, the political scene in the region is becoming increasingly active as several candidates are considering running, centering around the incumbent governor Myung Hyun-gwan (62), who is seeking a third term. Other potential candidates include Lee Gil-woon, President of the Haenam County Sports Association; Kim Sung-joo, former president of the Haenam County Fisheries Cooperative; Seo Hae-geun, Haenam County Council member; Kim Byung-duk, former chairman of the Haenam County Council; and Park Cheol-hwan, former governor. In addition, Park Sung-gi, CEO of Haenam Gunmin Newspaper, is also being mentioned as a possible candidate.

(From the top left) Myeong Hyungwan, current Haenam County Governor; Lee Gilun, President of Haenam County Sports Council; Kim Sungju, former Haenam County Fisheries Cooperative President; Seo Haegun, Haenam County Council Member; Park Cheolhwan, former Haenam County Governor; Kim Byungdeok, former Haenam County Council Chairman. Photo by Lee Jungyeong

The most prominent candidate is considered to be the current governor, Myung Hyun-gwan. He is evaluated as having a strong incumbent advantage based on his political experience as a two-term member and chairman of the South Jeolla Provincial Council, as well as his stable management of county affairs over the past seven years.

Governor Myung has completed 67 out of 111 pledges during the 8th popularly elected term, achieving an implementation rate of over 60%. He has also been recognized for his administrative capability, receiving the "highest grade" for seven consecutive years in the pledge implementation evaluation conducted by the Korea Manifesto Implementation Headquarters. By emphasizing the continuity of major ongoing projects such as the Haenam Solaseado RE100 Industrial Complex, he is strengthening his justification for seeking a third term. However, factors such as voter fatigue from a third term, a desire for checks and balances, and expectations for new faces may act as variables.

The potential comeback of former governor Park Cheol-hwan (64), who served as Haenam County Governor during the 6th popularly elected term, is also drawing attention. Park led the county administration from 2014 to 2017, but resigned early without completing his term due to personnel controversies and conflicts within the public sector. At that time, resistance in the Haenam County civil service grew due to issues such as personnel stagnation and promotion disputes, ultimately leading to his dishonorable mid-term resignation. However, there is some public sympathy for him, with some residents viewing him as a "political scapegoat."

During his previous tenure, Park was recognized for his "field-oriented administration" and demonstrated an approachable leadership style. He also achieved some policy successes, such as expanding support programs for farmers and fishermen. Recently, it has been reported that he is gauging public opinion and keeping his candidacy open, centering around his close associates.

Lee Gil-woon (58), President of the Haenam County Sports Association, is regarded as a candidate with strong local organizational power, based on his experience as a three-term county council member and as council chairman. As a former athlete, his robust organizational skills are considered a major strength.

In the 2018 local elections, he ran as a candidate for the Democratic Party of Korea but was defeated by Governor Myung, who was then affiliated with the Party for Democracy and Peace. He did not run in the 2022 election, but is reportedly preparing for a comeback in the 2026 election.

Kim Sung-joo (59), former president of the Haenam County Fisheries Cooperative, lacks administrative experience but has attracted attention for his management achievements in the fisheries industry. He turned the Haenam County Fisheries Cooperative, which was on the verge of bankruptcy due to cumulative deficits, into a surplus for four consecutive years. He also achieved tangible results such as establishing a seafood industry hub complex, building cold storage facilities for marine products, and attracting abalone supply contracts for the military.

However, his weak political base and lack of administrative experience are considered challenges he must overcome. He appears to have the strongest support base in the Songji-myeon area.

Seo Hae-geun (55), a Haenam County Council member and former civil servant, has strengths in his administrative experience?having served as director of the Culture and Tourism Division and as head of Bukil and Hwangsan townships?and in the recognition he has built through legislative activities. However, his past relationship with former governor Park Cheol-hwan could become a major issue if he decides to run.

Kim Byung-duk (61), former chairman of the Haenam County Council and currently serving as secretary-general of the Haenam Regional Committee for lawmaker Park Ji-won, is also being mentioned as a potential candidate. After serving as a two-term county council member, he ran for the South Jeolla Provincial Council in 2022 but failed to secure the party nomination. Restoring his presence and expanding his support base are seen as key challenges.

A local political official commented, "As of now, it appears that Governor Myung Hyun-gwan has the greatest advantage," adding, "The race is shaping up as a contest between Governor Myung, who is emphasizing the advantages of incumbency and project continuity, and challengers who are advocating for change and new visions."

The official continued, "Former governor Park Cheol-hwan is likely to highlight the symbolism of overcoming past failure and restoring his honor. The key will be how he persuades voters regarding the controversies of his previous tenure."

Haenam is a central area in the southwestern part of South Jeolla Province with a population of about 70,000, where agriculture and fisheries play a pivotal role in the local economy. Attention is focused on whether voters will choose 'stability' or 'change,' as well as on the practical regional development strategies proposed by each candidate.