[Lee Jaemyung’s Trio]②Park Chandae: Central Politics or Local Politics?

The Only Politician Featured on the Presidential Commemorative Stamp
Weighing His Candidacy for Incheon Mayor
Future Tied to the Fate of Prime Minister Kim Minseok

Editor's NotePresident Lee Jaemyung has his own "Three Musketeers": Prime Minister Kim Minseok, Assemblyman Park Chandae, and Chief of Staff Kang Hunsik. The year 2026 will be a pivotal one, determining whether a stable foundation for the administration’s midterm can be established. Both the local elections and the Democratic Party’s national convention are scheduled. Depending on how President Lee utilizes these three, who are interchangeable in their roles, the direction of the local elections and the political landscape could shift significantly. This is why the movements of the "Lee Jaemyung Three Musketeers" are drawing attention. ① Kim Minseok ② Park Chandae

Assemblyman Park Chandae is the only politician featured on the commemorative stamp marking President Lee Jaemyung’s 100th day in office. The commemorative stamp, released on September 11, depicted Assemblyman Park following President Lee, who was riding a bicycle. This is highly unusual in itself, highlighting the special affection President Lee has for Assemblyman Park, who served as both Supreme Council member and Floor Leader during Lee's tenure as party leader. From 2022 until Lee became president, Park also served as the chair of Lee’s political sponsorship committee. It is difficult to separate Park’s decision to run in the August party convention from his relationship with President Lee. President Lee’s political management began to falter after Park lost to Representative Jeong Cheongrae.

Although there is speculation about a possible run for Incheon mayor, Assemblyman Park has only said he is "still considering" his options. He has not made his position clear, nor has he taken any concrete steps regarding the matter. The dynamics of the Incheon mayoral race are expected to fluctuate depending on whether he decides to run. While his own judgment will play a role, it is highly likely that his future will be determined by his relationship with President Lee. He may run for Incheon mayor, but at this point, it cannot be said with certainty that his candidacy is likely, as the president may need him early in the administration. Although Assemblyman Park has recently refrained from interviews and kept a low profile, he continues to maintain his connection with the pro-Lee faction, such as by serving as a speaker at the Democratic Innovation Conference.

On July 25, Park Chandae, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, was entering the National Assembly Communication Hall for a press conference. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

In a JTBC interview on October 25, Assemblyman Park said, "I am contemplating whether there is more work for me to do in central politics, or whether there are roles remaining for me in my own constituency. Quite a few people want me to run for Incheon mayor, but even more people do not want me to run. There are also many requests for me to make another bid for party leader." His remarks reflect his ongoing deliberations.

Seo Jungwook, a conservative political commentator, predicted that Assemblyman Park could become prime minister next year, filling the vacancy left by Prime Minister Kim Minseok. On the other hand, Choi Changryeol, a special professor at Yongin University, argued, "Assemblyman Park’s association with Lee Jaemyung is too strong for him to be suitable as the second-term prime minister. Rather than prime minister, I expect him to run for Incheon mayor." Ultimately, Assemblyman Park’s future will likely be determined by how President Lee utilizes Prime Minister Kim Minseok and Chief of Staff Kang Hunsik.