More Than Ten Pro-Government Candidates Emerge, Both Self-Nominated and Recommended
Four-Term Senior Lawmaker Park Honggeun Officially Announces Candidacy
Assembly Members Seo Youngkyo, Park Jumin, Jeon Hyunhee Among the Contenders
Incumbent Mayor Oh Sehoon's Policies Face Strong Criticism
With just six months remaining until the 9th nationwide local elections on June 3 next year, the announcement of an official candidate for the Seoul mayoral race underscores the political symbolism of Seoul as the most hotly contested battleground. The People Power Party is focusing its efforts on retaining the Seoul mayoral seat, fielding strong contenders such as Mayor Oh Sehoon and Assemblywoman Na Kyungwon. Meanwhile, the broader pro-government camp has heightened expectations for reclaiming Seoul, with more than ten potential and self-nominated candidates in the running.
Amid this, Park Honggeun, a four-term senior lawmaker and former floor leader of the Democratic Party, officially declared his candidacy on the 26th, heating up the atmosphere. His announcement reflects a determination to prepare early for the party’s primary, which is expected to take place next spring. Park, considered a close ally of Lee Jaemyung, previously served as chairman of the National Policy Planning Subcommittee of the National Policy Planning Committee.
At a press conference in front of Seoul City Hall, Park stated, "Next year’s local elections go beyond simply forming new local governments and councils. They will serve as a stern political judgment by the sovereign people to completely end the forces of insurrection and firmly root the Lee Jaemyung administration among the people." He added, "As the architect of the Lee Jaemyung administration and a companion to President Lee Jaemyung, I intend to design a great future for the capital, Seoul."
Among those named as potential Democratic Party candidates for Seoul mayor are Assembly members Seo Youngkyo (four terms), Park Jumin, Jeon Hyunhee (three terms), and Kim Youngbae (two terms), as well as former lawmakers Hong Ikpyo and Park Yongjin, and Jeong Wono, Mayor of Seongdong District. Prime Minister Kim Minseok and Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoonshik are also being mentioned as possible candidates, regardless of their own intentions. It is reported that Assemblywoman Jeon Hyunhee will announce her candidacy before December 3, the deadline for resigning from her position as Senior Supreme Council member. Park Jumin and Seo Youngkyo are also coordinating the timing of their announcements, with most expected to make their intentions official in early December.
There are questions as to whether any current or former Democratic Party lawmakers representing Seoul have a clear competitive edge over Mayor Oh in terms of name recognition and public support. As a result, there is ongoing speculation about the possible recruitment of figures with nationwide recognition, such as Prime Minister Kim Minseok, Cho Kuk, leader of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, and Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoonshik. However, Prime Minister Kim has stated, "I will not run in the Seoul mayoral election." Nevertheless, rumors persist about his candidacy, as he has taken opposing stances to Mayor Oh on issues such as the Han River bus and the redevelopment policy in front of Jongmyo. Cho Kuk, who recently returned as party leader, is also considered one of the pro-government camp’s Seoul mayoral candidates. His recent comment in a media interview, "Would I want to see Oh Sehoon win?" is interpreted by some as a hint at a unified candidacy within the pro-government camp.
Kang Hoonshik, who is credited with successfully leading the Korea-US tariff negotiations, the Korean-American detention incident in Georgia, the Korea-US summit, and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju as Presidential Chief of Staff, is also attracting attention as a potential Seoul mayoral candidate. There is speculation that if he runs in the local elections, it will be for Seoul rather than South Chungcheong Province.
Jeong Wono, who achieved a third consecutive term as Mayor of Seongdong District, is considered a politician similar to President Lee Jaemyung in that he is praised as someone who "delivers results when given responsibility." In some opinion polls, he has ranked first in suitability among pro-government candidates for Seoul mayor. If his political profile continues to rise, he is being discussed as a dark horse who could shake up the Seoul mayoral race.
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