The Democratic Party of Korea’s candidates for 16 metropolitan mayors and provincial governors in the June 3 local elections pledged to act as “one team,” saying they will help ensure the success of the Lee Jae-myung government. They said they aim for a decisive victory by campaigning in coordination and creating synergy across regions.
The candidates made the remarks at a joint meeting held April 23 at the National Assembly. Daegu mayoral candidate Kim Boo-kyum and South Gyeongsang governor candidate Kim Kyung-soo did not attend due to local schedules; they were represented by Heo So, head of the Daegu party committee, and Heo Sung-moo, head of the South Gyeongsang party committee. Kim Boo-kyum and Kim Kyung-soo delivered video messages about their resolve for the campaign.
At the event, candidates staged a performance by placing blocks representing their respective regions onto a board showing a map of South Korea. Party leader Jung Cheong-rae concluded by attaching a block labeled “normalization of the Republic of Korea.”
“We were born on this land with a historic mission to win the June 3 local elections and ensure the success of the Lee Jae-myung government,” Jung said. He added that the public “raised up” the constitution and democracy and launched the Lee government through what he called a “revolution of light,” and said the party must repay that support.
Jung also said the nomination process was calmer than in the past, noting it was difficult to find scenes such as protest rallies outside party headquarters or hunger strikes and head-shaving demonstrations. “Because you were chosen through the most democratic procedures, I believe you are the most competitive candidates,” he said.
Jung urged eight candidates who are sitting lawmakers to resign their parliamentary seats on April 29 and focus on their campaigns. “Set your goals high, keep your posture low, and show the public you are working even harder with humility,” he said.
Under the current Public Official Election Act, first-half by-elections are held for vacancies confirmed by April 30. However, the deadline for incumbent lawmakers to resign in order to run in the local elections is May 4, prompting speculation that the party could strategically delay resignations. Jung’s remarks were seen as a renewed push for a coordinated resignation date.
Candidates also argued that local governments should actively support the Lee government. Seoul mayoral candidate Jung Won-oh said a capable local government is needed to work in step with the central government and “prove results on the ground.” Gyeonggi governor candidate Choo Mi-ae said the party “must win” to support what she called a “people’s sovereignty government.” Incheon mayoral candidate Park Chan-dae said local governments must become “one team” to help the government’s agenda reach people’s daily lives.
They also pledged efforts on balanced national development, overcoming regionalism and building a “mega-city” in the Busan-Ulsan-South Gyeongsang area, and asked for support.
After a closed-door session, senior spokesperson Kang Jun-hyun told reporters that Jung told candidates the party would provide active support and urged them to boost synergy through interregional cooperation.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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