DPK eyes purge of ‘Yoon kids’ ahead of local vote

Feb 23, 2026, 07:53 am

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Cho Seung-rae, secretary-general of the Democratic Party of Korea, speaks during a press conference on pending issues at the National Assembly on Feb. 22. /Yonhap

With the June 3 local elections approaching, the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) has unveiled a strategy to phase out so-called “Yoon Suk Yeol kids” while promoting what it calls “Lee Jae-myung-style” talent.

Cho Seung-rae, secretary-general of the DPK, made the remarks during a press conference at the National Assembly on Feb. 22.

“This local election should become one that removes the ‘Yoon Suk Yeol kids,’” Cho said. “Ending insurrection and ensuring strict accountability remain pressing tasks. This election carries political significance in completing that process.”

The term “Yoon Suk Yeol kids” refers to eight metropolitan government heads from the People Power Party who were elected during the 2022 local elections. Cho argued that those elected shortly after former President Yoon took office “have shown nothing but incompetence” and should be held accountable alongside him.

He added that while mayors in Seoul and Busan were re-elected and may not strictly fall under the “Yoon kids” label, “there must still be evaluation and judgment on incompetence.”

Highlighting the party’s nomination strategy, Cho emphasized what he described as “Lee Jae-myung-style talent recruitment.”

“The president has demonstrated the qualities of an administrator that the public is asking for,” Cho said. “We will identify and present more candidates who communicate swiftly and effectively.”

He explained that in regions with a large number of potential candidates — including Seoul, Gyeonggi and Jeju — the party plans to hold preliminary and main primaries, with runoff elections if necessary. “All of these processes will be designed to ensure thorough communication with citizens,” he said.

In areas where political integration is possible, the primary schedule will be managed separately according to integration timelines, he added.

Regarding a possible electoral alliance with the Rebuilding Korea Party, Cho said, “It is difficult to make predictions at this stage. The level and scope of cooperation will need to be determined through discussions within the party and with the Rebuilding Korea Party.”

#Democratic Party of Korea #Cho Seung-rae #Lee Jae-myung #Yoon Suk Yeol #local elections