Haenam County Governor Election: Myeong Hyungwan Seeks Third Term Amid Multi-Candidate Race... Spotlight on Democratic Party Primary

'Proven Stability' vs 'Change and Renewal':
Solaseado Project Emerges as the Key Factor

With five months remaining until the 9th nationwide local elections, the race for Haenam County Governor in South Jeolla Province is shaping up as a contest between the incumbent governor seeking a third term and a challenger emphasizing economic expertise. The entry of several additional candidates has made the potential unification of the Democratic Party’s primary candidates the most significant variable in the race.

(From the top left) Myeong Hyungwan, current Haenam County Governor, Lee Gilwoon, President of Haenam County Sports Council, Kim Sungjoo, former Haenam County Fisheries Cooperative President, Seo Haegun, Haenam County Council Member, Park Cheolhwan, former Haenam County Governor, Kim Byungdeok, former Haenam County Council Chairman. Photo by Lee Jungkyung

Myeong Hyungwan Pursues Third Term, Highlighting 'Solaseado Achievements'

Myeong Hyungwan, the current Haenam County Governor, is expected to seek an unprecedented third term. He is considered to be leading the race, leveraging the advantages of incumbency and his achievements in county administration.

Governor Myeong’s key asset is the 'Haenam Solaseado Corporate City' project. After being designated in 2007, this project languished for years, but during Myeong’s tenure, plans for a renewable energy-based data center became tangible, reigniting momentum for the initiative. The Solaseado Data Center project, which is expected to create large-scale jobs and attract investment, is regarded as Governor Myeong’s strongest asset for the election.

With the possibility of being designated as a Special Opportunity Development Zone and securing national funding, Governor Myeong is expected to emphasize 'uninterrupted regional development' by highlighting major achievements such as the creation of the RE100 National Industrial Complex, establishment of a Green Convergence Cluster, development of the Solaseado Corporate City, and the Hwawon Industrial Complex offshore wind power support zone.

A local political figure commented, "Bringing the long-stalled Solaseado project to a visible stage has further strengthened the incumbent’s advantage." The local political community also assesses that "making substantial progress on the Solaseado project, a 20-year aspiration, has further reinforced the incumbent’s premium."

Kim Sungjoo, Former Fisheries Cooperative Chairman, Gains Ground with 'Field-Based Economic Policy'

Kim Sungjoo, former Chairman of the Haenam County Fisheries Cooperative, has emerged as a strong contender. Drawing on his management experience during his tenure at the cooperative, he is positioning himself as a 'field-oriented economic governor.'

Analysts say that Kim has built a relatively solid support base in Songji-myeon and Bukpyeong-myeon, which have the largest populations after Haenam-eup. His recognition and trust, established in fisheries-centered regions, are seen as his strengths.

However, his lack of experience in political and administrative affairs is cited as a weakness. Local political observers note, "While his management abilities are proven, his lack of experience with complex administrative systems and council relations remains a variable."

Lee Gilwoon and Kim Byungdeok, Challenge with 'Administrative Experience'

Lee Gilwoon, President of the Haenam County Sports Association, is running on his experience as a three-term county council member. While agreeing with the direction of the Solaseado project, he emphasizes the need to revitalize commercial districts and improve accessibility to address the depopulation of Haenam-eup. His pledges include modernizing the daily market, revitalizing the theater district, and establishing a specialized marketing foundation.

Kim Byungdeok, former Chairman of the Haenam County Council, is focusing on the crisis of local extinction. He highlights that Haenam is among the regions most at risk of extinction nationwide and has made key pledges such as establishing a Haenam-style basic social system, strengthening the competitiveness of agriculture and fisheries, attracting young people, developing selective and focused tourism, and creating future industries and jobs.

Seo Haegeun and Park Cheolhwan, Adding Complexity to the Multi-Candidate Race

Seo Haegeun, Haenam County Council Member, has virtually formalized his candidacy by joining the Korea Innovation Party. He has sharply criticized the current administration, stating that it is "draining the budget for public welfare." He is seeking to differentiate himself by highlighting his 34 years of public service and his recognition as a county council member.

Former Governor Park Cheolhwan has also hinted at a possible comeback, further complicating the race. He was elected in a 2010 by-election and promoted policies supporting farmers and fishermen, but resigned before completing his term due to personnel conflicts.

The Biggest Variable: 'Primary Candidate Unification'

Political observers see the unification of some Democratic Party candidates during the primary as the most significant variable. If the field remains crowded, it will benefit Governor Myeong, but if the race narrows to a competitive candidate, the gap could close.

A local political figure commented, "This election is a contest between 'proven stability' and 'change and renewal.' The candidate who presents the most effective solutions for local extinction and revitalizing Solaseado will win the support of the voters."