PPP faces growing backlash over candidate cutoffs

Mar 26, 2026, 09:22 am

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Lee Sang-kyu, former People Power Party district chair in Seongbuk-eul, spoke at a press conference in Yeouido, Seoul, on March 25, protesting his exclusion from the Seoul mayoral primary. / Yonhap News

The People Power Party is facing escalating internal conflict as disputes over candidate nominations continue ahead of the June 3 local elections.

Preliminary candidates who were cut off from the party’s primary races have begun demanding reconsideration and even legal action, highlighting growing tensions within the party.

Lee Sang-kyu, a former district party chair in Seongbuk-eul, publicly criticized the nomination process after being excluded from the Seoul mayoral primary.

“If some are given three chances while others wait years for a single fair opportunity, it is the party’s responsibility to correct that imbalance,” he said.

Lee had been among the first to declare his candidacy, positioning himself as a “trailblazer” when no other candidates had stepped forward. However, he was eliminated without being given a chance to compete, prompting his protest.

In Daegu, Joo Ho-young, deputy speaker of the National Assembly, also announced plans to file for an injunction to suspend the validity of his cutoff. He added that he may consider running as an independent if the court does not grant the request.

Former Korea Communications Commission chair Lee Jin-sook also raised concerns over the transparency of the nomination process, calling for clear explanations regarding the criteria and procedures used.

The controversy has spread across multiple regions, including North Chungcheong, Pohang, Daegu and Seoul, with senior lawmakers and incumbent officials among those cut off. In some cases, protests such as head-shaving demonstrations have taken place.

Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk has attempted to contain the situation, stating that “sacrifices are sometimes necessary for the party.” However, internal disputes show little sign of subsiding as the election approaches.

#People Power Party #nomination dispute #Lee Sang-kyu #primary election