The governing and opposition parties are putting everything on the line before the 9th nationwide simultaneous local elections set for June 3 next year. The Democratic Party of Korea aims to achieve a “triple crown” by winning the local elections after having won the 2024 general election and the 2025 presidential election. The People Power Party is promising a fierce contest, cautioning, “If the government and ruling party gain control of local areas while already holding the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, it will create a complete dictatorship system.” The party established a local election planning team as early as last October, eight months prior to the election.
In the 2022 local elections, the People Power Party achieved a significant win, capturing 12 of the 17 major city mayoral roles. This was mainly due to the initial positive phase that followed the Yoon Suk-yeol administration’s start three months earlier. Although this year’s election also marks the first national vote since the Lee Jae-myung government took office, it is anticipated to act as a mid-term assessment of the administration, as it takes place one year after the president’s inauguration.
The fight for the capital region is anticipated to be extremely intense. Within the Democratic Party of Korea, lawmakers Park Joo-min (Eunpyeong Gap), Jeon Hyun-heui (Jung-Sungdong Gap), Seo Young-kyo (Jungnang Gap), Park Hong-geun (Jungnang), and Kim Young-bae (Seongbuk Gap) have already announced their intention to run for Seoul mayor. Former lawmakers Hong Ik-pyo and Park Yong-jin, along with Chong Won-o, the mayor of Seongdong District, are also positioning themselves as possible contenders.
Within the People Power Party, attention is centered on whether current Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon will pursue a fifth term. Mayor Oh has consistently been at the forefront in polls for the Seoul mayoral race but has not yet announced his candidacy. Should he decide not to run, possible contenders from the opposition could be Rep. Na Kyung-won (Dongjak), former People Power Party head Han Dong-hoon, and Reform Party leader Lee Jun-seok.
The election for the Gyeonggi governor, who leads the region with the highest population, has attracted numerous candidates from both political parties. Within the Democratic Party, current Governor Kim Dong-yeon is anticipated to run for a second term, along with lawmakers Choo Mi-ae (Hanan Gap), Kim Byung-joo (Namyangju Eu), Yeom Tae-young (Suwon Mu), Han Jun-ho (Goyang), Lee Eun-ju (Yongin Jeong), and Park Jeong (Paju Eu). Among these, Representatives Choo Mi-ae, Kim Byung-joo, and Yeom Tae-young are recognized for their strong ambitions.
Within the People Power Party, former Representative Yoo Seung-min is experiencing strong public approval. Additional possible contenders consist of former Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Moon-soo, who once held the position of Gyeonggi governor, along with current legislators Ahn Cheol-soo (Seongnam Bundang Gap), Song Seok-jun (Icheon), Kim Seon-gyo (Yeoju-Yangpyeong), and Kim Sung-won (Dongducheon-Yangju-Yeoncheon).
For a more in-depth examination, see the article titled “Democratic Party Candidates Overwhelm Seoul·Gyeonggi… Can the People Power Party Hold Seoul?” from the December digital issue of *Monthly Chosun*. Subscribers to Chosun Membership can read the newest editions of *Monthly Chosun*, *Monthly San*, *Top Class*, and *Women’s Chosun* via the “Newspaper·Magazine” service.
◇Monthly Chosun: Comprehensive Examination of the Daejang-dong Development Scandal Initial Court Ruling
The December edition of *Monthly Chosun*, South Korea’s leading monthly publication on current events, offers a detailed examination of the 719-page initial court ruling in the Daejang-dong development controversy. It presents an overview of the case, the business procedures involved, and the court’s perspective. The issue also features evaluations of the ruling party’s suggested “judicial reform,” significant topics, and expert opinions regarding the implementation of nuclear-powered submarines.
◇Monthly San: The World of ‘Bulmeong’—Healing Through Staring at Flames
The theme for the December edition of *Monthly San*, a publication highly favored by climbers, is “bulmeong” (fire staring). It is believed that the act of silently watching a burning fire can have real benefits for emotional balance and stress relief. The issue features guidance on bulmeong, as well as campgrounds suitable for this practice, alongside four suggested mountains to explore in December, a continuous hiking journal of Jirisan by a former director of Jirisan National Park, and stories about country life.
◇Top Tier: Enhanced ‘K-Snacks’ ranging from Egg Bread to Fish-shaped Bread
The December edition of *Top Class*, a publication focused on in-depth interviews, delves into the rising prominence of “K-snacks” via conversations with various experts. This includes high-end egg bread that is becoming popular internationally and “fish-shaped bread” that has developed with a range of fillings such as pizza, corn cheese, and spicy chicken dumplings. The issue also highlights “sacred spots” for hotteok, toast, and fish cakes, which are often thought of during the winter season.
◇Women’s Chosun: Scenic Sunrise Locations Throughout the Country
The December edition of *Women’s Chosun*, a women’s lifestyle publication, highlights sunrise locations across the country and looks back on 2025 topics in entertainment, culture, and politics—from the Cambodia overseas abduction incident. It also showcases Christmas markets nationwide, featuring attractive trees and vibrant lights, along with festivals and a “six-step nutrition plan” to support liver health during the hectic end-of-year period.
The Chosun Media monthly publications are released on the first day of every month. Don’t miss *Weekly Chosun* and *Economy Chosun*, which come out every Wednesday morning.
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