Seogwipo By-Election: Kim Sung-beom, Ko Ki-cheol Emerge as Leading Candidates

A by-election for the Seogwipo parliamentary seat has been confirmed following the selection of incumbent Representative Wi Sung-gon as a candidate for governor, with the election to be held concurrently with the nationwide local elections on June 3.

For the Democratic Party, former Vice Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Kim Sung-beom is considered a strong contender. A native of Namwon, Seogwipo, Kim has held key positions within the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and led its relocation to Busan. Ko Yu-gi, a former administrative officer at the Blue House, who was among the potential Democratic Party candidates, has stated he has no intention to run.

Within the People Power Party, Provincial Committee Chairman Ko Ki-cheol is considered the leading candidate. Ko has cultivated local support based on his experience running in the previous general election and plans to hold a press conference soon to announce his resignation as provincial chairman and his bid for the seat. Former Governor Won Hee-ryong, who was also mentioned as a potential People Power Party candidate, has conveyed his position that he will not be running.