As the Democratic Party of Korea finalized its nominee for Jeju governor, the matchup for the June 3 local election for Jeju governor came into view.
The Democratic Party confirmed Rep. Wi Seong-gon as its final nominee for Jeju governor through a runoff vote on the 18th. Wi defeated Rep. Moon Dae-rim in the runoff held from the 16th through that day to secure a ticket to the general election. Wi, a three-term lawmaker elected consecutively in Seogwipo for the 20th, 21st and 22nd National Assembly, is making a first bid for governor.
The People Power Party earlier, on the 11th of last month, nominated former Korea Asset Management Corporation (KAMCO) President Moon Sung-yu as its candidate for Jeju governor. Moon graduated from Jeju Ohyeon High School and Yonsei University's Department of Economics, and entered public service by passing the 33rd Higher Civil Service Examination. He served as Deputy Minister for Planning and Coordination at the Ministry of Economy and Finance, president of Korea Asset Management Corporation (KAMCO), and standing auditor at the Government Employees Pension Service.
The Progressive Party, back in January, swiftly confirmed Kim Myeong-ho, chairperson of its Jeju provincial chapter, as its candidate for Jeju governor. Chairperson Kim served as head of the Jeju branch of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) Service Federation, head of the Jeju branch of the National Courier Union, and Deputy Minister for Planning and Coordination at the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions.
In addition, independent candidate Yang Yun-nyeong, who served as director of planning and coordination at the National Congress for New Politics, registered as a preliminary candidate for Jeju governor.
As a result, the Jeju governor's race will be a four-way contest over the next 46 days, featuring Democratic Party candidate Wi Seong-gon, People Power Party candidate Moon Sung-yu, The Progressive Party candidate Kim Myeong-ho, and independent candidate Yang Yun-nyeong.
Registration for general election candidates in this local election will take place over two days on May 14 and 15. Official campaigning runs from May 21 to June 2, and early voting will be held on May 29 and 30.