Gyeongnam Governor Race Marred by 'Authoritarian Intervention' Claims

The gubernatorial race in Gyeongnam Province, a contest between former and incumbent governors, was significantly shaken on its final campaign day, June 2, by controversy surrounding alleged "authoritarian intervention."

Kim Kyeong-soo of the Democratic Party demanded that Park Wan-soo of the People Power Party "stop blaming others and muddying the waters" and "apologize a hundred times to the citizens." In response, Park's campaign issued a statement calling for Kim to "immediately retract his false and distorted claims and resign from his candidacy."

The dispute ignited on May 6 when an individual identified as "A," who was editing promotional videos for Park Wan-soo's campaign, reported to the Gyeongnam Election Commission that four current Gyeongnam provincial officials had provided materials from the province's public relations department to create videos critical of Kim Kyeong-soo. Park's side subsequently filed a complaint against "A" with the Changwon District Prosecutors' Office, while Kim's side reported Park's campaign officials to the Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency.

Following these accusations and counter-accusations, both campaigns engaged in a war of words through press conferences and other means until the very end of the campaign period.

On the day before the election, Kim Kyeong-soo was seen campaigning in various parts of Changwon despite the rain, wearing a blue raincoat. Park Wan-soo canceled some of his scheduled events and held his final rally at Sangnam Fountains Square in Changwon at 7:30 p.m.

In Ulsan, Democratic Party mayoral candidate Kim Sang-wook continued his "walking campaign" with minimal costs, stating he would "become a source of pride for Ulsan citizens." He concluded his campaign after paying respects at the Statue of Peace in Ulsan Grand Park, the Forced Mobilization Laborers Statue, and the Hyeonchung Tower. People Power Party candidate Kim Du-gyeom appealed for votes at markets, asking for "one more chance to work."