[Current Affairs Show] North Chungcheong Governor... 'Legal Risk' Kim Younghwan Faces a Flood of Challengers [2026 Local Election] ⑥

People Power Party's Kim Younghwan Faces Police Raid
North Chungcheong Political Circles on Edge Over Investigation's Impact
Ruling and Opposition Challengers Emerge, No Heavyweights in Sight

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Editor's NoteThe 9th local elections will be held on June 3 next year, just about nine 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 elections are particularly noteworthy as they will take place just one year into the Lee Jaemyung administration. Key points of interest include how the current balance of 11 (People Power Party) to 5 (Democratic Party of Korea) metropolitan mayors and governors might change, whether the Democratic Party of Korea will secure local power in addition to legislative and administrative authority, and whether the People Power Party can hold onto Seoul. Asia Economy's 'So Jongseop's Current Affairs Show' examines the potential candidates for metropolitan mayor and governor positions: ① Seoul Mayor ② Gyeonggi Governor ③ Busan Mayor ④ Incheon Mayor ⑤ South Chungcheong Governor ⑥ North Chungcheong Governor

On August 21, eight investigators from the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crime Investigation Unit of the Chungbuk Provincial Police Agency conducted a search and seizure at the North Chungcheong Provincial Government building. They secured records of Governor Kim Younghwan's vehicle access and CCTV footage of entries to the governor's office. The search warrant cited allegations that Governor Kim violated the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act. Governor Kim is suspected of receiving envelopes containing several million won from Yoon Hyunwoo, the head of the Chungbuk Sports Council and CEO of a construction company based in Cheongju. On June 26, Yoon allegedly visited the governor’s office and gave Kim 5 million won as travel expenses before Kim departed for a business trip to Japan. Governor Kim strongly denied the allegations, stating, "They are claiming I accepted money based only on circumstantial evidence. This is a political attack and a targeted investigation. I have never received any money or valuables."

This investigation reportedly began when Yoon’s former driver provided related recordings and videos to the police. The political community in North Chungcheong is closely monitoring the situation, as the outcome could significantly impact the landscape of next year’s local elections. There is much speculation about whether Governor Kim will be able to run for office, and if so, how much he will be affected. Alongside the parliamentary investigation into the Osong disaster, Governor Kim’s 'legal risk' is emerging as his Achilles' heel in the run-up to the local elections.

Recent election results in North Chungcheong have shown a tight race between the two major parties. In the 2022 presidential election, candidate Yoon Sukyeol led candidate Lee Jaemyung by more than 5 percentage points. That same year, the People Power Party not only won the governorship but also secured victories in seven out of eleven basic local government districts, while the Democratic Party of Korea won only four. However, in the 2024 general election, the Democratic Party of Korea gained momentum, winning five out of eight constituencies. In the most recent presidential election, Lee Jaemyung received 46.67% of the vote, surpassing Kim Moonsu, who received 44.87%. However, the difference between the two candidates was less than 2 percentage points, and the combined vote share of Kim Moonsu and Lee Junseok was 52.28%. Although the presidential election took place during a period of martial law and impeachment, it demonstrates the strong consolidation of conservative voters in North Chungcheong.

Who are the potential candidates for North Chungcheong governor in next year’s local elections? Within the Democratic Party of Korea, former Chief Presidential Secretary Noh Youngmin is the most prominent name. He is a three-term former lawmaker who served as South Korea’s ambassador to China and as Chief of Staff to former President Moon Jaein. Recently, he has been active, publishing books such as 'The Rebirth of the Republic of Korea' and 'Four Questions for China.'

Song Kiseop, the current head of Jincheon County, has strongly expressed his intention to run. He recently held a press conference with the North Chungcheong branch of the Liberation Association, announcing the launch of a "Task Force to Recover Pro-Japanese Assets." Now serving his third consecutive term as Jincheon County head, Song has effectively declared his candidacy, stating, "If there are areas where I can serve and dedicate myself for North Chungcheong, I will consider it." He is a former senior official at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, having served as Director of the Daejeon Regional Land Management Office and as Administrator of the Multifunctional Administrative City Construction Agency. He has expanded his influence by promoting corporate attraction and infrastructure expansion, contributing to Jincheon’s economic growth.

Shin Yonghan, former professor at Seowon University, served as Youth Secretary under the Park Geunhye administration and later joined the Democratic Party of Korea as the 15th talent recruit during the last general election, after working with Yoon Sukyeol’s campaign. He was also deputy head of strategic planning for Lee Jaemyung’s presidential campaign. He is active through the 'Chungbuk Economic and Cultural Forum.' He has expressed his intention to bring generational change and policy-driven politics. The name of Lee Jangseop, former member of the 21st National Assembly representing Cheongju Seowon, is also being mentioned.

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Lee Inyoung, whose hometown is Chungju, does not appear to be actively expressing his intentions, but he is still worth watching. If there is a growing sentiment that a heavyweight figure is needed beyond the currently mentioned candidates, he could be brought in. As a five-term lawmaker and former Minister of Unification, he is one of the symbolic figures of the Democratic Party of Korea's '586 generation.' During the last presidential election, he also served as the party’s regional campaign chair for Chungcheong, actively canvassing in North Chungcheong.

For the People Power Party, the outlook depends largely on Governor Kim Younghwan’s fate. While Governor Kim is seeking re-election, leveraging his status as the incumbent and his policy achievements, his 'legal risk' remains a variable. As a result, challengers are emerging. Park Kyungguk, president of the Korea Gas Safety Corporation and former vice governor of North Chungcheong, is being mentioned. Seo Seungwoo, chairman of the North Chungcheong branch of the People Power Party and also a former vice governor, is rumored to be considering a run. Recently, the name of Yoon Heekeun, former Commissioner General of the National Police Agency, has also surfaced.

The Anti-Corruption and Economic Crime Investigation Unit of the Chungbuk Provincial Police Agency conducted a search and seizure at Governor Kim Younghwan's office in the Chungbuk Provincial Government building on the morning of August 21. Photo by Yonhap News

Among the expected People Power Party candidates, aside from Governor Kim, Cho Gilhyeong, the three-term mayor of Chungju, is actively moving. He has effectively declared his candidacy, emphasizing his administrative experience and stating, "I want to redesign the future vision for North Chungcheong. I believe I am prepared. Having learned the necessary know-how, I think I can fulfill such a role."