A comedian who became known through the SBS comedy program "Utchatsa" has drawn attention by declaring a run in the June 3 local elections.
Democratic Party of Korea candidate Park Min-young was recently confirmed as a proportional representative candidate for the Seongnam City Council under the Democratic Party of Korea and will run in the June 3 local elections. During the proportional primary, Park said, "I will prove myself with results, not showmanship politics," expressing ambition.
Park is a former SBS open-recruitment comedian. In 2014, Park gained recognition by appearing in Utchatsa's segment "Extremes—sexy and boyish." Since then, Park has expanded into acting and live commerce show hosting. Regarding that experience, Park explained it as "a strength of politics that communicates with citizens."
Park's entry into politics was prompted by more than 10 years of volunteer work. Experiencing the limits of welfare and administration in the field, Park felt the need for institutional reform, and is known to have prepared to run for office while majoring in political science at the Yonsei University graduate school.
Park is currently serving as a vice chair of the Democratic Party of Korea National Women's Committee. During the proportional candidate primary, Park also mentioned policies on gender equality, youth, and socially disadvantaged people.
Meanwhile, this local election is seeing candidates with unusual backgrounds, including delivery workers, cultural and arts figures, and former athletes. Democratic Party candidate Lim Min-hyeok (32), running for the North Gyeongsang Provincial Council, is a former professional soccer goalkeeper who played for Jeonnam Dragons until 2023. In Gimhae, South Gyeongsang, Reform Party candidate Moon Hyun-jin (39), an active keirin cyclist, is vying for a city council seat.