Pressure Mounts for Two Figures as Candidacy Deadline Looms

As the candidate registration deadline for the upcoming June 1st simultaneous local elections and parliamentary by-elections draws near, attention is focusing on the future of two individuals who have yet to declare their intentions to run: Ha Jeong-woo, Senior Secretary for AI Future Planning, and spokesperson Jeon Eun-su. Facing mounting pressure to make a political decision before the deadline for public officials to resign, both are keeping their cards close to their chest, while the political community widely anticipates their candidacy. Both Ha and Jeon are maintaining a general stance of 'dedicating themselves to their current duties,' without officially confirming their plans to run.

Senior Secretary Ha Jeong-woo returned to Korea on April 24th following President Lee Jae-myung's state visits to India and Vietnam. He is expected to finalize his future plans after concluding his meeting with Demis Hassabis, scheduled for April 27th. Both individuals are highlighting their strengths: Ha's focus on AI policy achievements and Jeon's expertise in political affairs and messaging. The legal deadline for public officials to resign to contest the by-elections is fast approaching, requiring them to step down 30 days before the election.

Within political circles, the sentiment is growing that 'the longer the decision is delayed, the less effective it becomes and the more interpretations arise.' The diminishing 'Blue House premium' in this election is also proving to be a burden. A significant number of former Blue House officials who have run in the local elections have been eliminated in preliminary contests, and analyses suggest that their Blue House experience has not served as a distinct advantage for some candidates who have been confirmed. The outcome of elections is not solely determined by approval ratings or experience; voter engagement and individual competitiveness are emerging as crucial factors. Within the Blue House, the principle of 'candidacy is the individual's decision' is being maintained, with observers adopting a wait-and-see approach.