The People Power Party nomination management committee said on the 11th it would accept additional applications for nominations for the Seoul mayor and South Chungcheong governor races.
Chairperson Lee Jung-hyun held a press conference at the central party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, on the morning of the day and said, "Seoul and South Chungcheong are regions where the symbolism and scale of the election are very large, and the nomination committee judged that it is necessary to create sufficient competition and a vetting structure that meets the public's expectations and to widen the choices."
Lee said, "We also saw it as desirable to keep the door to politics open for talented people inside and outside politics who are considering running until the last minute," adding, "After today's additional notice, we will accept applications for one day tomorrow and then proceed with a swift and fair review through interviews on the 13th."
Lee added, "The rights of candidates who have already applied will be respected as they are," and "the nomination committee will conduct a fair review to the end in accordance with principles and standards."
Accordingly, attention is on whether incumbent Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon and South Chungcheong Gov. Kim Tae-heum will submit nomination applications. Earlier, Oh did not apply for nomination in protest against the party leadership's line. Kim did not apply for nomination, citing issues such as the discussion on integrating Daejeon and South Chungcheong.