DistantNews
Support us
🇰🇷 South Korea /Elections & Politics

'Ruling party candidate' argument prevails in Gwangju, South Jeolla; South Jeolla mayors perform well, integrated council overwhelmingly DPK

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • The Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) secured victories in most mayoral and council seats across Gwangju and South Jeolla province, with 'ruling party candidate' argument proving effective.
  • The DPK won 22 out of 27 mayoral positions in the region, losing only a few to independent candidates and securing two seats for the Jo Guk Innovation Party.
  • The DPK also dominated the provincial council elections, securing a significant majority of seats, reinforcing its political control in the region.

The Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) has largely swept the local elections in Gwangju and South Jeolla province, with the party's 'ruling party candidate' narrative proving successful. The DPK secured victories in most mayoral and council positions, solidifying its political dominance in the region.

In the mayoral elections across 27 positions (22 in South Jeolla, 5 in Gwangju), the DPK won 22 seats. While independent candidates posed a challenge in some areas, including Suncheon and Gwangyang, the DPK ultimately prevailed in key races like Suncheon and Jindo. The Jo Guk Innovation Party managed to win two mayoral seats in Shinan and Jangheung.

The DPK's strategy of emphasizing its status as the ruling party and its connection to President Lee Jae-myung resonated with voters, particularly in rural areas where access to government funding is a significant concern. The party's central leadership actively campaigned in closely contested areas, urging support for DPK candidates.

In rural areas, 'basic income' was a major concern. Voters likely felt that budget support would be difficult without a DPK mayor.

— South Jeolla-based lawmakerExplaining the DPK's electoral success in rural areas of the province.

In the provincial council elections, the DPK's dominance was even more pronounced. The party secured 75 district seats and 8 out of 12 proportional representation seats, totaling 83 out of 91 seats in the Gwangju-South Jeolla Integrated Provincial Council. Other parties, including the Progressive Party and the Jo Guk Innovation Party, secured significantly fewer seats.

Political analysts suggest that the DPK's strong performance was a combination of the 'ruling party candidate' appeal and a perceived need among voters to support the DPK to ensure continued support and funding for the region. Despite the DPK's overwhelming success, the concentration of power raises questions about the future effectiveness of legislative oversight and checks within the provincial government.

As DPK support rates dropped in Seoul and North Jeolla towards the end of the campaign, a sentiment emerged in South Jeolla to 'support the DPK a bit more.'

— South Jeolla-based lawmakerDescribing the shift in voter sentiment in the province during the election.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog