Gangwon Governor Race Takes Shape: Woo Sangho vs. Kim Jintae Showdown Imminent

Lee Kwangjae Withdraws... Woo Sangho Achieves Unified Candidacy
Democratic Party's Candidate for Gangwon Governor Virtually Confirmed
Democratic Party Welcomes "Putting the Party Before Oneself" Decision

With former Gangwon Province Governor Lee Kwangjae, who had been leading in opinion polls, announcing that he will not run, a head-to-head race is taking shape between Jintae Kim, the incumbent Governor of Gangwon Province from the People Power Party, and Woo Sangho, former Senior Secretary for Political Affairs at the Blue House from the Democratic Party of Korea. This marks the first clear matchup in the race for metropolitan mayors and governors in the upcoming 9th nationwide local elections, scheduled for June 3.

On February 2, Woo Sangho told The Asia Business Daily in a phone interview, "I was contacted first by former Governor Lee and heard about his decision not to run. Although we have not yet discussed the specifics of campaign support, his endorsement alone is a great help." Woo particularly emphasized, "This is the first time the Democratic Party has unified its candidate for a metropolitan mayor or governor internally. I will work closely with former Governor Lee and prepare for the development of Gangwon Province."

Woo Sangho, Former Senior Secretary for Political Affairs at the Blue House Photo by Yonhap News

Lee Kwangjae, who previously served as Governor of Gangwon Province, was expected to have a close contest with Woo Sangho if he had decided to run again. However, with his sudden declaration of support for Woo, the election landscape has shifted dramatically. Having resigned as Senior Secretary for Political Affairs at the Blue House on January 18, Woo Sangho has now gained the upper hand. Woo said, "When I visited the region, people were pleased to see the 'right-hand man of President Lee Jaemyung' arrive. There is a prevailing sentiment that a strong figure is needed for the region's development."

Previously, Lee Kwangjae stated via social media, "I will help Woo Sangho secure victory in the Gangwon Province governor election. Rather than going alone, I have chosen to walk this path together." Referring to the funeral of former Prime Minister Lee Haechan, he said, "What is desperately needed now is not personal advancement, but the nation. The local elections, taking place just one year into the Lee Jaemyung administration, must be won to ensure the country's stability." As the head of the Bundang-gap district in Gyeonggi Province, Lee plans to support the election campaigns in both Gyeonggi and Gangwon Provinces.

Jintae Kim, Governor of Gangwon Province (People Power Party)

Within the People Power Party, incumbent Governor Kim Jintae, who enjoys the advantages of holding office, is emerging as the leading candidate, while former lawmaker Yeom Dongyeol and others are also reportedly considering running for governor. In recent nationwide elections, Gangwon Province has shown a tendency to favor conservative parties. In last year's 21st presidential election, Kim Moonsu of the People Power Party received 47.3% of the vote in Gangwon Province, while Lee Jaemyung of the Democratic Party of Korea garnered 44.0%.

However, recent opinion polls related to the Gangwon Province gubernatorial race indicate that Woo Sangho remains highly competitive. According to a survey conducted by Realmeter on behalf of G1 Gangwon MBC, which polled 2,509 Gangwon residents aged 18 and over via wireless phone ARS on February 1 and 2 (with a margin of error of ±2.0 percentage points at a 95% confidence level), Woo Sangho received 46.3% support, ahead of Governor Kim Jintae, who received 38.1%. For more details, refer to the website of the National Election Survey Deliberation Commission.

The ruling party has praised Lee Kwangjae's political decision and has expressed high expectations for the upcoming local elections. Lee Eonju and Hwang Myungseon, Supreme Council members of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated at the Supreme Council meeting that day, "We express our deep gratitude and respect for putting the party before personal interests."