The Democratic Party of Korea has finalized its primary schedule for the Seoul metropolitan area, regarded as the biggest battleground in the local elections. In Incheon, Rep. Park Chan-dae received a sole nomination, but in Seoul and Gyeonggi, a multi-candidate race is expected.
According to the Democratic Party on the 8th, Seoul will hold a preliminary primary on the 23rd-24th among five figures: Reps. Kim Young-bae, Park Ju-min, and Chun Hyun-hee; former Seongdong District Chief Chong Won-o; and former Center for Military Human Rights Secretary-General Kim Hyung-nam. In the preliminary primary, the top three will be selected by a 100% vote of dues-paying party members. However, if no woman or youth candidate makes the cut, that candidate will automatically advance to the main primary, making it a four-way contest.
At the preliminary primary stage, a contest of sharper messages is expected to win over the party base. In particular, "Myung-sim" marketing—touting support from President Lee Jae-myung—is likely to prevail. Ahead of this local election, the president publicly praised District Chief Chong Won-o, who is running for Seoul mayor.
Other candidates are calling for additional debates, saying policy vetting is necessary. Rep. Kim Young-bae and Rep. Chun Hyun-hee are representative examples.
The main primary, to be held on the 7th-9th of next month, will reflect 50% party member votes and 50% public opinion polling. With moderate appeal as important as party sentiment, messages are expected to shift. District Chief Chong Won-o, with an administrative background, appears to have an edge in moderate appeal, but it is hard to ignore the name recognition of incumbent senior lawmakers.
If no candidate wins a majority in the main primary, a runoff will be held. With a runoff in mind, there is a possibility of candidate alliances or unification moves.
The Gyeonggi governor race will also be a five-way contest. A preliminary primary will be held on the 21st-22nd, followed by the main primary on the 5th-7th of next month. Gov. Kim Dong-yeon; Reps. Kwon Chil-seung, Choo Mi-ae, and Han Jun-ho; and former Rep. Yang Ki-dae are in the running.
Incumbent Gov. Kim Dong-yeon leads in name recognition, but some assess that Rep. Choo Mi-ae leads with the party base, and Han Jun-ho leads with "Myung-sim." The key is what kind of alignment these three candidates will form in the main primary.