[Current Affairs Show] Gwangju Mayoral Race: Min Hyungbae Challenges Kang Gijung, Moon In and Lee Byunghoon Vie for Position [2026 Local Elections] ⑧

Mayor Kang Gijeong Struggles as Min Hyungbae Leads the Race
Nomination Equals Election: Fierce Competition Among Democratic Party Candidates
Variables Include Primary Rules and the Possibility of a Progressive Reform Party Candidate

■ Broadcast: Asia Economy 'So Jongseop's Current Affairs Show' (Monday to Friday, 4-5 PM)

■ Host: Political Specialist So Jongseop ■ Director: Producer Park Sumin

Editor's NoteThe 9th local elections will be held on June 3 next year, just about nine months away. Although it may seem like there is plenty of time left, that is not the case. Behind the scenes, the local election race has already begun. Next year's local 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 map of metropolitan governors-currently 11 for the People Power Party and 5 for the Democratic Party-will change, whether the Democratic Party will secure local power following its legislative and executive dominance, and whether the People Power Party can hold onto Seoul. Asia Economy's 'So Jongseop's Current Affairs Show' looked into which figures are being discussed as potential candidates for metropolitan mayoral and gubernatorial positions. ① Seoul Mayor ② Gyeonggi Province Governor ③ Busan Mayor ④ Incheon Mayor ⑤ South Chungcheong Province Governor ⑥ North Chungcheong Province Governor ⑦ South Gyeongsang Province Governor ⑧ Gwangju Metropolitan Mayor

The political scene in Gwangju Metropolitan City is heating up in anticipation of next year's 9th Gwangju Metropolitan Mayor election. Local media outlets have already conducted five rounds of public opinion polls. This is a phenomenon rarely seen in other regions, possibly because the equation of 'candidate equals winner' often holds true here. The competition has surfaced in the form of party membership drives. Since only those who have paid party dues for more than six months are eligible to vote, anyone wishing to secure voting rights for next year's local elections had to join the party by the end of last month. The competition among prospective candidates to recruit new members was fierce. Approximately 120,000 people submitted membership applications. Even after excluding some applicants due to incomplete paperwork, it is expected that more than half will be new members. With about 80,000 existing party members, this means roughly one in ten Gwangju citizens is a member of the Democratic Party.

The frontrunner is Assemblyman Min Hyungbae. Gwangju CBS Nocut News commissioned the Korea Society Opinion Institute (KSOI) to conduct a public opinion poll from August 31 to September 1, surveying 802 men and women aged 18 and older residing in Gwangju using a wireless ARS (automated response) method. (The margin of error is ±3.5 percentage points at a 95% confidence level, with a response rate of 5.7%. Weighting was based on gender, age, and region according to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety's resident registration population as of the end of July 2025. For more details, refer to the National Election Survey Deliberation Commission website.) In this poll, Assemblyman Min Hyungbae ranked first with 30.5%. Mayor Kang Gijung followed with 13.6%, Buk-gu District Chief Moon In with 10.0%, and Democratic Party Honam Special Committee Deputy Chairman Lee Byunghoon with 7.9%.

In some other media polls, District Chief Moon In was ahead of Mayor Kang Gijung. However, the trend of 'Min Hyungbae leading with 30% support' has remained unchanged. Assemblyman Min is a two-term district chief (Gwangsan District) and has served as the Blue House Secretary for Autonomy and Development. His profile rose significantly after he defeated Lee Nakyon, a former Democratic Party leader and Prime Minister, in last year's general election. Notably, during the 20th presidential election in 2022, he was the first among Honam lawmakers to support Lee Jaemyung, earning him the 'pro-Myung' label. He also chaired the Democratic Party's Special Committee on Prosecution Reform, taking a leading role in prosecution reform, which left a strong impression on his support base.

Three-term lawmaker and former Blue House Senior Secretary for Political Affairs, Kang Gijung, is the incumbent Gwangju Metropolitan Mayor and enjoys the advantages of holding office, but is facing difficulties. There was significant backlash following the Gwangju-Jeonnam Town Hall Meeting on June 25, attended by President Lee Jaemyung. In his own words, he said, "In an instant, I was branded as an incompetent mayor and Gwangju as an unprepared city." In his remarks at the regular meeting on July 1, he stated, "I thought the President's unexpected visit was a victory for democracy and a sign of high expectations for Gwangju, so I expected praise and gratitude. I was thankful that the President gave us the major gift of the 'Gwangju Military Airport Relocation Task Force,' but I was unable to sufficiently communicate key industrial issues such as AI and future mobility. I felt as if I was being reprimanded by the President in front of the entire nation," he confessed. Mayor Kang is seeking a rebound through on-site activities and policy promotion, saying, "I am contemplating what needs to be done to ensure the success of the Lee Jaemyung administration and solve Gwangju's industrial policy challenges."

Buk-gu District Chief Moon In, who previously served as Director of Planning and Management and Vice Mayor for Administrative Affairs in Gwangju, is making steady progress by criticizing Mayor Kang and highlighting achievements in public welfare policies such as the expansion of the local currency 'Bukkeumoney.' Known as an 'administrative expert,' he has been showing a strong presence, recording double-digit support rates. Lee Byunghoon, Deputy Chairman of the Democratic Party's Honam Special Committee, who previously served as Gwangju's Deputy Mayor for Economic Affairs and as a member of the 21st National Assembly, held a talk concert on September 6 to mark the publication of his book 'The Region Must Be Strong for Korea to Survive,' signaling his intention to run. Lee Hyungseok, former Deputy Mayor for Economic Affairs and a former member of the 21st National Assembly, is also reportedly considering a run.

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Prospective candidates are expected to focus on how to effectively appeal to voters regarding changes in the Democratic Party's primary rules, differentiated policies, and their image as capable administrators. Given the heated atmosphere, attention is also being paid to whether the primary will be managed stably, the possibility of a third-party candidate emerging, and whether the New Reform Party will field a candidate.

Within the People Power Party, former Gwangju City Party Chairman Kim Junghyun is being mentioned as a candidate. Seo Wangjin, the floor leader and Gwangju City Party Chairman of the New Reform Party, Kim Jooeop, Gwangju City Party Chairman of the Progressive Party, and Kang Eunmi, Gwangju City Party Chairman of the Democratic Labor Party, are also being discussed as potential candidates.