Park Jumin Announces Seoul Mayoral Bid... Democratic Primary Heats Up

Second Incumbent Lawmaker Announces Candidacy

Park Jumin, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, announced his candidacy for Seoul mayor at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on the 11th. He is the second incumbent Democratic Party lawmaker to officially declare his candidacy.

Park Jumin, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, is greeting supporters as he moves to the podium to announce his candidacy for Seoul mayor at Gwanghwamun Square, Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 11th. Photo by Yonhap News

Assemblyman Park presented his vision for Seoul as "a Special City of Minimums that are Affordable and a Special City of Maximum Opportunities for Potential Growth," expressing his determination to create "a Seoul that transitions correctly and leaps forward properly."

Park, now serving his third term, is a former human rights lawyer widely known as the "Sewol Ferry Lawyer." He entered the National Assembly in 2016 after winning the 20th general election. Since then, he has served as Vice Chairman of the Democratic Party Policy Committee, Chief Deputy Floor Leader, Secretary of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee in the 21st National Assembly, and Chairman of the Health and Welfare Committee in the 22nd National Assembly. During the most recent presidential election, he served as Chairman of the Basic Society Committee of the Central Election Campaign Committee, helping lay the groundwork for President Lee Jaemyung's campaign pledges.

The competition within the Democratic Party for the Seoul mayoral election is expected to intensify. Jeong Wono, Mayor of Seongdong District, who gained attention after being publicly praised by President Lee Jaemyung, expressed his intention to run during a book publication press conference on the 10th, stating, "Once the district council finalizes next year's budget and business plans next week, I will consider and make my decision."

Mayor Jeong, who has served three terms as Seongdong District Mayor, cannot run for the position again due to term limits. Given his reputation as an "effective administrator" who has faithfully performed his duties, it is widely expected that his next move will be to run for Seoul mayor. In response to a question about what qualities the next Seoul mayor should have, Mayor Jeong answered, "The mayor should ensure that citizens feel their taxes are well spent and should make Seoul a city that drives national competitiveness."

Meanwhile, official candidacy announcements for the Seoul mayoral race from both the ruling and opposition parties are expected to continue. Previously, Park Honggeun, a four-term lawmaker, declared his candidacy in front of Seoul City Hall on the 26th of last month. Other potential Democratic Party candidates include Assemblymen Kim Youngbae, Seo Youngkyo, and Jeon Hyunhee, as well as former lawmakers Park Yongjin and Hong Ikpyo. On the People Power Party side, incumbent Seoul Mayor Oh Sehoon and Assemblywoman Na Kyungwon are among the leading contenders.