Busan PPP lawmakers call for fair primary race

Mar 17, 2026, 10:40 am

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People Power Party lawmakers from Busan, including senior spokesperson Park Sung-hoon, speak to reporters after meeting party leader Jang Dong-hyuk at the National Assembly on March 17. / Courtesy of Yonhap News

Lawmakers from the People Power Party (PPP) representing Busan met party leader Jang Dong-hyuk on Tuesday, urging the party to hold a primary election for the Busan mayoral race.

The meeting came amid concerns over a proposal by nomination committee chief Lee Jung-hyun to cut off incumbent Mayor Park Hyung-joon from the race. Local lawmakers warned that excluding the sitting mayor would eliminate the “convention effect” typically generated through a competitive primary.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, senior spokesperson Park Sung-hoon said, “We conveyed the unified position of Busan lawmakers and requested a reconsideration of the nomination committee’s decision.”

Park added that Jang agreed on the need for a primary to secure victory in Busan and promised to help deliver the views of Busan citizens and lawmakers to the nomination committee.

Earlier, Lee reportedly proposed cutting off Mayor Park during a nomination committee meeting, prompting strong opposition from Busan lawmakers including Secretary-General Jeong Hee-yong and Reps. Kwak Gyu-taek and Seo Ji-young, which led to disruptions in the meeting.

Rep. Joo Jin-woo, a potential rival to Park, also called for a primary, saying, “While I respect the party’s nomination system, local voices must also be considered. I respectfully request a primary.”

He added, “I am confident I can win in a primary and will demonstrate my capabilities directly to Busan citizens.”

The issue highlights growing tensions within the PPP over its nomination process as the party prepares for the upcoming local elections.

#People Power Party #Busan mayor race #Jang Dong-hyuk #Park Hyung-joon #primary election