Chungnam Governor... Who Among Kang Hoonshik, Park Suhyeon, Park Junghyun, and Yang Seungjo Will Face Kim Taeheum? [2026 Local Election] ⑤

Fierce Competition in the Democratic Party, Governor Kim Taeheum Dominates for People Power Party
Kim Taeheum vs Kang Hoonshik: University Senior-Junior Showdown Draws Attention
Kim Taeheum vs Yang Seungjo: Possible Rematch Also in the Spotlight

■ Broadcast: Asia Economy 'So Jongseop's Current Affairs Show' (4:00 PM ~ 5:00 PM)

■ Host: Political Specialist So Jongseop ■ Director: Producer Ma Yena

Editor's NoteThe 9th local elections will be held on June 3 next year, just 10 months away. While it may seem like there is still plenty of time, that is not the case. The race for the local elections has already begun behind the scenes. Next year's local elections are particularly noteworthy as they will take place just one year after the inauguration of the Lee Jaemyung administration. Key points of interest include how the current map of metropolitan mayors and governors-currently 11 seats for the People Power Party and 5 for the Democratic Party-will change, whether the Democratic Party will secure local power in addition to legislative and executive authority, and whether the People Power Party will be able to hold onto Seoul. Asia Economy's current affairs YouTube program, 'Current Affairs Show,' looked into which figures are being mentioned as potential candidates for next year's local elections: ① Seoul Mayor ② Gyeonggi Governor ③ Busan Mayor ④ Incheon Mayor ⑤ Chungnam Governor

Chungnam did not throw its political weight behind one side during the last presidential election. While candidate Lee Jaemyung received over 4 percentage points more than candidate Kim Moonsu, the margin was not considered significant. Lee led in six urban areas, including Cheonan, Asan, and Dangjin, but Kim was ahead in nine cities and counties. If the votes for Kim and Lee Junseok, the candidate from the Reform New Party, are combined, they actually surpass Lee Jaemyung by nearly 4 percentage points. This trend suggests that the upcoming June 3 local elections, taking place one year into the Lee Jaemyung administration, will likely be a tightly contested race.

In the 2022 presidential election, People Power Party candidate Yoon Sukyeol led Democratic Party candidate Lee Jaemyung by more than 6 percentage points. Yoon's appeal as a "fellow Chungnam native"-his father is from Nonsan, Chungnam-helped him garner support. In the 2022 local elections, held three months after the Yoon Sukyeol administration took office, People Power Party candidate Kim Taeheum defeated Democratic Party candidate Yang Seungjo by 67,000 votes. At the time, Kim Taeheum led in all 15 cities and counties of Chungnam. In the basic local elections, the People Power Party won 12 out of 15 seats, while the Democratic Party won only 3.

However, the mood shifted during the 2024 National Assembly elections. Out of 11 parliamentary districts in Chungnam, the Democratic Party won 8. It was a sweeping victory for the Democratic Party.

What about this year’s presidential election? Democratic Party candidate Lee Jaemyung received 47.68%, People Power Party candidate Kim Moonsu received 43.26%, and Reform New Party candidate Lee Junseok received 8%. Given that the election took place after martial law and impeachment, the margin was not as large as expected.

Democratic Party: Fierce Behind-the-Scenes Competition Among Kang Hoonshik, Park Suhyeon, Park Junghyun, and Yang Seungjo

The competition among potential Democratic Party candidates is intense, perhaps because the election is being held just one year into the administration. First mentioned is Kang Hoonshik, Chief of Staff to the President. Kang has consistently expressed his commitment, stating, "The experience I've gained is for Chungnam and Asan." Born in 1973, Kang served three terms as a National Assembly member for Asan-eul before resigning his seat to become Chief of Staff. He is known as a politician skilled in strategic planning and communication.

Assemblyman Moon Jinseok is also being discussed. He is a two-term lawmaker and head of the Chungnam branch of the Democratic Party, representing Cheonan-gap. He is one of the "Group of Seven" who supported President Lee Jaemyung from the early days and is a fellow alumnus of Chung-Ang University. On May 29, during the presidential election, he cast his early vote at Naepo New Town, home to the Chungnam Provincial Government. His decision to vote there, despite many other options, sparked rumors of his candidacy at the time. He is known as a "Yang Seungjo person," having served as chief of staff to former Governor Yang Seungjo.

Park Suhyeon, Chief Spokesperson of the Democratic Party, is also consistently mentioned. He is known for his strong media relations and smooth communication with reporters. His frequent media appearances have boosted his name recognition. His constituency is Gongju, Buyeo, and Cheongyang. In 2018, he registered as a preliminary candidate for Chungnam Governor but later withdrew. It is said that he is ready to jump in whenever the opportunity arises.

Buyeo County Governor Park Junghyun, the Only Basic Local Government Head to Declare Candidacy

Park Junghyun, who served as Vice Governor for Political Affairs during Governor An Heejung's term, has made up his mind to run.He is the only basic local government head in Chungcheongnam-do to challenge for the governor's seat. He has built grassroots support for the Democratic Party in Chungnam since its weak days and was an early supporter of President Lee Jaemyung. After former President Yoon Sukyeol declared martial law, Park staged a one-man protest calling for Yoon's impeachment, and even removed government policy goal plaques from the wall of his office. He is also reportedly preparing to publish a book outlining his policy visions.

Two-term Assemblyman Bok Giwang, whose constituency is Asan, is also being mentioned. Having served twice as Asan Mayor and as a Blue House political secretary, he ran in the 2018 governor primary but lost to former Governor Yang Seungjo. He is now working to raise his profile through media appearances.

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Former Governor Yang Seungjo has clearly expressed his intention to run again. He is actively visiting disaster sites and engaging with the public. Having served four terms as a lawmaker and as Chungnam Governor, he is aiming for re-election based on his experience representing Cheonan in the National Assembly and as governor. Compared to the 2022 presidential election, Lee Jaemyung’s vote share increased the most in Hongseong and Yesan-Yang’s former constituency.

No Other Candidate from People Power Party Besides Governor Kim Taeheum

No other candidate besides incumbent Governor Kim Taeheum has emerged from the People Power Party. Kim has made it clear he will seek re-election. After serving three terms as a lawmaker, he was elected governor of Chungnam and now faces the challenge of securing a second term in a difficult environment. He is focusing on projects such as transforming the Asan Bay area into a high-tech industrial hub (Bay Valley Megacity) and developing a compact and robust research and development zone in Cheonan and Asan, paying particular attention to these populous areas.

There are several interesting points to watch regarding next year's Chungnam gubernatorial election. First is whether there will be a rematch between Governor Kim and former Governor Yang, as in 2022. Another point of interest is the relationship between former Governor Yang and Assemblyman Moon-will they compete in the Democratic Party primary, or will Moon support Yang? This is noteworthy since Moon previously served as Yang's chief of staff. The dynamic between Assemblyman Park Suhyeon and Buyeo County Governor Park Junghyun is also drawing attention-will they cooperate or compete? If Governor Kim and Chief of Staff Kang face off, it will be a contest between university alumni. Governor Kim, born in 1963, graduated from Konkuk University's Department of Trade, while Chief of Staff Kang, born in 1973, graduated from Konkuk University's Department of Management Information Systems.