The Democratic Party of Korea declared its transition to a local election system on May 11 by launching its Central Election Committee and holding candidate selection events in Gangwon and Seoul, reinforcing its commitment to resolving the rebellion and securing voter support.
During a meeting of the Central Election Committee in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, and subsequent candidate selection events in both regions, the party reaffirmed its determination to achieve victory in the June 3 local elections, focusing on resolving the rebellion and ensuring the success of the Lee Jae-myung administration.
Jung Cheong-rae, the party's representative, called for support for Woo Sang-ho, the candidate for Gangwon governor, during the committee meeting, emphasizing the importance of overcoming the rebellion and normalizing the country to support the success of the Lee administration.
"The citizens' efforts allowed us to lift the state of emergency, and we are on the path to overcoming the rebellion and normalizing the country," Jung stated. "This election is a golden opportunity for the success of the Lee Jae-myung administration. Woo will be a strong partner in realizing the government's philosophy in the region."
At the Gangwon candidate selection event held in Chuncheon, Jung reiterated the need to rally support for Woo's election and solidify the party's commitment to resolving the rebellion through local election victories.
He remarked, "This local election is about overcoming the abnormal state characterized by political oppression and attempts to undermine Lee Jae-myung, as well as the state of emergency and rebellion, and striving for national normalization."
While mentioning Woo, he added, "Woo will follow the path and direction set by the citizens, ensuring he does not go alone but walks alongside the people of Gangwon. He understands the president's thoughts and governance philosophy better than anyone and will be the key to unlocking a great leap for Gangwon."
Woo also emphasized the importance of the upcoming local elections, stating, "Through this election, we must fulfill President Lee's governance philosophy of transitioning to a local era." He urged the nominated candidates, saying, "Your victory is the victory of the Democratic Party. If you lose, both the Democratic Party and the president will lose."
In the afternoon, the Democratic Party held a candidate selection event in Seoul, where Jung again stressed the necessity of winning local elections, including reclaiming Seoul.
He noted, "The spirit of the times in 2026 is national normalization. Overcoming the state of emergency and rebellion and restoring normalcy under the Yoon Seok-yeol administration's prosecutorial dictatorship is the spirit of the times." He urged candidates to wear their blue jackets with pride and carry the mission of supporting local election victories and the success of the Lee administration.
Jung Won-o, the candidate for Seoul mayor, asserted, "The spirit of the times for this Seoul election is to replace the local government with capable leadership. We must change the ineffective current mayoral system and create an efficient Seoul administration."
He warned that if Oh Se-hoon, the candidate from the People Power Party, were to win, it would lead to ongoing political conflict with President Lee for four years. "Only by electing Jung Won-o, who stands at the center of life, can Seoul's citizens be happy and the city develop. We will ensure that we replace the administrative power of Seoul to create a city where residents feel the effectiveness of governance."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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