Kim Kyoung-soo, Park Wan-soo Set to Clash in Gyeongnam Governor Election

Following the 22nd general election, Kim Kyoung-soo of the Democratic Party and Park Wan-soo of the People Power Party will compete for the Gyeongnam Provincial Governor position in the local elections on June 3. Their contest is drawing attention as a key race that will determine the future direction of the 'Nakdong River Belt.'

Former Gyeongnam Governor Kim Kyoung-soo of the Democratic Party had to step down from his gubernatorial duties due to the 'Druking' scandal. Incumbent Gyeongnam Governor Park Wan-soo of the People Power Party has a record of serving three terms as Changwon Mayor and as a local Member of Parliament. Kim Kyoung-soo has declared his intention to 'complete Gyeongnam's unfinished tasks' following his pardon. Park Wan-soo is promoting 'proven competence' and 'uninterrupted Gyeongnam development.'

Candidate Kim is leveraging his political symbolism, built as a key figure in the Moon Jae-in administration, and his image as a national balanced development expert, using the 'Buulgyeong Megacity' initiative as a driver for voter support. Candidate Park is highlighting his achievements as an administrative expert, having earned the top-tier 'SA' rating for pledge fulfillment for four consecutive years in evaluations by the Korea Manifesto Practice Institute, and emphasizing his administrative experience that deeply understands every corner of the province.

The strategies of the two camps differ. Kim's side is likely to form a campaign committee centered around key figures, receiving full support from the central party. Park's side is expected to adopt an independent campaign strategy, emphasizing his performance capabilities as the incumbent governor and his role as a local worker. Kim Kyoung-soo is proposing livelihood-focused pledges such as completing the 'Buulgyeong Megacity' initiative, launching a 'Chief Kim is Coming' mobile complaint service, and providing subsidies for pet medical expenses. Park Wan-soo is forming a competitive landscape by presenting public welfare stabilization pledges like expanding the Gyeongnam Citizen Pension and providing a 100,000 won citizen living support fund, alongside macro-level visions such as building an aerospace complex city.

In the 2018 local elections, Kim Kyoung-soo won with 52.81% of the vote. In the 2022 local elections, Park Wan-soo won with 65.70% of the vote. In the 2024 general election, the People Power Party received 55.43% of the votes in the Gyeongnam region, while the Democratic Party garnered 42.35%. In last year's presidential election, the People Power Party candidate received 51.99% of the votes in Gyeongnam, compared to 39.40% for the Democratic Party candidate.

A poll conducted by KBS Changwon and Korea Research from April 14 to 16 showed Kim Kyoung-soo leading with 37% support, ahead of Park Wan-soo who garnered 27%. A significant portion of undecided voters remain, and there have been instances of conservative votes consolidating late in past elections in the Yeongnam region.