The Democratic Party of Korea has started its official election campaign about 40 days ahead of the June 3 local elections. The party’s leadership and candidates for the heads of 16 regional governments gathered for a joint meeting. During the meeting held at the National Assembly, Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheong-rae emphasized the party’s commitment to providing the most democratic, swift, and fair nominations, highlighting that there were no incidents of parachute nominations or corruption and that there were fewer protests or extreme measures taken by candidates compared to past elections.
Jeong also encouraged candidates who are also serving as assembly members to resign from their legislative positions by the 29th to focus solely on their campaigns. The meeting was attended by the party’s leadership, including General Secretary Jo Seung-rae, Policy Chair Han Jung-ae, and regional governor candidates including Jung Won-oh (Seoul), Jeon Jae-soo (Busan), Park Chan-dae (Incheon), among others.
During the meeting, the candidates participated in a performance symbolizing the completion of a national map, where they placed blue puzzle pieces on a map representing their regions. The candidates took turns expressing their commitment to the election, with some highlighting local slogans and ambitions, such as Wi Seong-gon from Jeju aiming to start the winds of victory from the southernmost island, and Lee Won-taek from North Jeolla aiming to build a stronghold like Lee Jae-myung’s leadership.
Despite not attending, candidate Kim Bu-gyeom announced his campaign pledges at his office in Daegu, advocating for administrative integration and a new airport in the Daegu-Gyeongbuk area as part of his major vision for the region.