Joo Chulhyun’s Candidacy Shakes Up Jeonnam Gubernatorial Race

Assemblyman Joo Chulhyun Officially Announces Candidacy for Governor on the 22nd
Multiple Candidates, Including Incumbent Governor Kim Youngrok, on Alert
Assemblyman Shin Jeonghun Pursues a Dual Strategy of Parliamentary and Local Engagement
Assemblyman Seo Samseok Draws Up Election Plans While Remaining Observant
Assemblyman Lee Gaeho Reaffirms Gubernatorial Bid to Supporters
Local Political Circles Warn: "An Election Full of Variables"... Concerns Over Overheated Race

Assemblyman Joo Chulhyun held a press conference at 11 a.m. on the 22nd in the Choi Room on the 2nd floor of the Jeonnam Provincial Council and announced his intention to run for governor of Jeonnam Province in the local elections to be held next June. Photo by Shim Jinseok

Joo Chulhyun, head of the Jeonnam Provincial Committee of the Democratic Party of Korea and representative for Yeosu Gap, has officially announced his candidacy for governor of Jeonnam Province, causing a stir in the local political scene. Aside from current Governor Kim Youngrok, who is already seeking a third term, Joo is the first among the potential candidates mentioned for the gubernatorial race to formally declare his intention to run. As such, his announcement is expected to significantly influence the decisions of other prospective candidates who are still weighing their options.

On September 22 at 11 a.m., Assemblyman Joo held a press conference in the Choi Room on the second floor of the Jeonnam Provincial Council, where he announced his intention to run for governor of Jeonnam Province in the local elections scheduled for June next year. He pledged to realize a new vision for Jeonnam, focusing on: the normalization of the petrochemical and steel industries; establishing Jeonnam as a renewable energy hub with offshore wind power and agrivoltaics; creating a base for agricultural and fisheries bio-industries; building a future high-tech strategic industry belt; fostering Jeonnam as a global center for culture and tourism; and developing the future transportation network and energy hub ports in Yeosu and Gwangyang.

Joo’s declaration of candidacy is expected to have a considerable impact on the local political landscape.

Until the end of last year, the main candidates for the gubernatorial race were considered to be current Governor Kim Youngrok, Assemblyman Seo Samseok, Assemblyman Shin Jeonghun, and Assemblyman Lee Gaeho. While Joo’s potential candidacy was mentioned to some extent, he was not regarded as a leading contender due to the lack of a clear direction amid political variables such as the 12·3 Martial Law.

However, starting in January this year, speculation about Joo’s candidacy intensified. Although he was a relatively late entrant, he demonstrated his strength by ranking high in various opinion polls. Some attribute this to his ‘regional premium’ as his constituency is in the eastern region, which has a high population ratio, but observers note that his momentum is particularly strong.

In fact, a recent survey conducted by the Korea Society Opinion Institute (KSOI) at the request of Gwangju CBS Nocut News on the suitability of Democratic Party candidates for Jeonnam governor (refer to the website of the National Election Survey Deliberation Commission) showed Assemblyman Joo receiving 14.6% support, placing him second after Governor Kim Youngrok, who received 24.7%, indicating a sharp upward trend.

Some analysts interpret Joo’s announcement as a display of confidence gained from this favorable atmosphere.

At the press conference, Assemblyman Joo criticized Governor Kim Youngrok, stating, “During your eight years as governor, you failed to provide fundamental solutions to various issues in Jeonnam.” This is seen as a signal marking a major turning point in the election landscape.

Governor Kim and the other potential candidates appear to be busy devising their campaign strategies while maintaining a stance of cautious action.

Governor Kim is reportedly traveling across the eastern, central, and western regions of Jeonnam with virtually no days off. Although he continues to lead in various opinion polls, his approval rating remains in the 30% range, indicating the urgent need for a significant breakthrough. Analysts say he is focusing on gauging public sentiment amid his intensive schedule.

Assemblyman Shin Jeonghun (Naju, Hwasun), who currently serves as chair of the National Assembly’s Public Administration and Security Committee, is said to be prioritizing government administrative reform and public welfare over immediate preparations for the gubernatorial race, while simultaneously working to expand his local influence through a two-track strategy. He is increasing his engagement with local residents by attending meetings and events related to policies such as the basic income for rural and fishing communities connected to Jeonnam.

It is reported that Assemblyman Shin is considering officially announcing his candidacy at the end of December or early January next year.

Assemblyman Seo Samseok (Muan, Yeongam, Shinan) is said to be taking a reserved position for now regarding the gubernatorial race. However, as chair of the Democratic Party’s Special Committee on Honam Development, he has a solid standing, and his strong local organizational power, reinforced by his ‘undefeated in elections’ reputation, means he is consistently mentioned as a potential challenger to Governor Kim.

Among his supporters, Seo’s candidacy is considered a given, and it is said that he could enter the race at any time depending on the situation.

Assemblyman Lee Gaeho (Damyang, Jangseong, Hampyeong, Yeonggwang in Jeonnam) reportedly reaffirmed his intention to run for governor at a meeting with his local party members last weekend (September 20). This not only puts an end to speculation that he might not run, but also strongly signals his determination to compete in the gubernatorial election.

Since the beginning of this month, Assemblyman Lee has been focusing on increasing his visibility by visiting various parts of Jeonnam, including Gwangyang, Suncheon, and Haenam, except when attending National Assembly sessions.

A local political source commented, “Assemblyman Joo Chulhyun’s announcement is significant as it marks the first official declaration among the potential candidates, excluding the incumbent Governor Kim Youngrok. This provides an opportunity to reassess local sentiment and gain insight into the thoughts of residents, especially after the unprecedented situation of the 12·3 Martial Law.”

The source added, “Next year’s local elections are likely to be characterized by the absence of a single dominant candidate. With many variables, including the emergence of the Innovation Party for the Fatherland, the race could become overheated. Fierce competition could lead to side effects, so it is crucial to ensure a fair election.”