Seoul race heats up, Chungbuk feud deepens

Mar 19, 2026, 08:31 am

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People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk enters the National Assembly in Seoul on March 18.

The People Power Party (PPP) is showing sharply contrasting dynamics in its candidate nominations for the June 3 local elections, with a competitive multi-candidate race emerging in Seoul while internal conflict intensifies in North Chungcheong Province.

In Seoul, the mayoral primary has taken shape as a six-way contest following the confirmed participation of incumbent Mayor Oh Se-hoon and Rep. Park Soo-min. Their entry, along with former Gangdong District Mayor Kim Chung-hwan, has solidified the race, with party screening interviews scheduled for March 22.

However, the method for selecting the final candidate remains undecided. Nomination committee chief Lee Jung-hyun said multiple options are under review, including the so-called “Korean Series-style primary.” Under this system, non-incumbent candidates compete first, and the winner faces the incumbent in a final round.

The proposal has sparked mixed reactions within the party. Critics argue it favors incumbents, while supporters say it could boost voter interest through heightened competition among challengers. Attention is now focused on whether party leadership will adopt a compromise rather than opt for a single-candidate nomination.

In contrast, the nomination process in North Chungcheong Province has been marked by growing discord. After incumbent Gov. Kim Young-hwan was eliminated in the first cut, former mayor Cho Gil-hyung—once considered a strong contender—signaled his intention to leave the party, escalating tensions.

The situation has further complicated with the addition of former lawmaker Kim Soo-min through a new recruitment process, raising suspicions within the party that the move may have been designed with a specific candidate in mind. Former National Police Agency Commissioner Yoon Hee-keun has also suspended his campaign and is reportedly considering an independent run, reflecting broader distrust in the nomination process.

Uncertainty remains, however, as Cho’s resignation and party departure have not yet been officially finalized. Some within the party suggest the possibility of his return to the primary. Lawmakers from the Chungbuk region, including Reps. Uhm Tae-young, Park Deok-heum and Lee Jong-bae, reportedly met with party leader Jang Dong-hyuk on the same day to urge a fair primary process.

While Seoul’s crowded race is expected to generate momentum, Chungbuk faces deepening controversy over fairness and transparency. Analysts say the PPP leadership’s decisions on primary rules in Seoul and restoring trust in Chungbuk will be key factors shaping the electoral landscape in both regions.

#Seoul mayor race #Chungbuk governor race #People Power Party #Jang Dong-hyuk