Democratic Party Suncheon Mayoral Primary... Assemblywoman Hansook Kyung Announces Candidacy

"Ending Divisive Politics... Ushering in an Era of Coexistence and Harmony"
Will the First Female Mayoral Bid Bring a Seismic Shift?
Local Political Scene in Turmoil Ahead of Next Year's Elections

With the local elections scheduled for June next year, an unprecedented move has emerged in the Democratic Party’s primary race for Suncheon mayor: the first-ever bid for a female mayor, announced immediately after the Chuseok holiday.

Hansook Kyung, Jeonnam Provincial Assembly Member.

The candidate in the spotlight is Hansook Kyung, a member of the Jeonnam Provincial Assembly. In an interview with our publication, Assemblywoman Hansook Kyung officially declared her intention to run for mayor, stating that it was "a decision for change in Suncheon."

In her statement of candidacy, she said, "I will put an end to divisive politics and open an era of coexistence and harmony," adding, "I hope Suncheon will become a city that ushers in a new chapter of female leadership."

Her key campaign pledge is to revitalize the local economy through the K-beauty industry. She plans to build a 'pink bio' industrial ecosystem centered on the K-beauty Cosmetics Convergence Department at Suncheon National University and focus on addressing the issue of urban hollowing. In addition, she expressed her commitment to establishing an international school in the Shindae District and pursuing related projects to attract a medical school, promising a Suncheon where young people return and education and industry grow together.

Hansook Kyung’s challenge is being seen as more than just a personal political move; it is regarded as a significant signal for a "gender politics experiment" in Suncheon, a city that has never had a female mayor.

It is also noteworthy that the Democratic Party has recently strengthened its gender bonus point system for female candidates (up to 25%). If Assemblywoman Hansook Kyung joins the race against male contenders, the "female premium" could potentially shake up the primary landscape.

A local political insider commented, "If the symbolism of a female candidate and favorable public opinion align, the Democratic Party’s Suncheon mayoral primary could become highly unpredictable," adding, "Suncheon may become a national testing ground for female leadership."