Mayors, governors step back from roles to join presidential race

Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo speaks during a guest lecture at Seoul National University in Seoul, March 19. Newsis

Several mayors and governors are entering the race for the June 3 presidential election, sparking concerns that they may be prioritizing their political ambitions over their official duties.

The snap election was triggered by Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment, with the date confirmed during a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday. A number of high-profile regional officials have already joined or are preparing to join the race to pick Yoon’s successor.

Among those from the conservative People Power Party (PPP), Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo and North Gyeongsang Province Gov. Lee Cheol-woo have declared their candidacy.

Hong is scheduled to hold a resignation ceremony this Friday and is expected to officially announce his candidacy in Seoul next week. After his resignation, Deputy Mayor for Administrative Affairs Kim Jeong-gi will assume acting leadership until the next mayoral election in June 2026.

A five-term lawmaker and a prominent conservative figure, Hong previously ran in the PPP's 2022 presidential primary but lost to Yoon. In the 2017 election, he was the nominee of the Liberty Korea Party, the PPP’s predecessor, but was defeated by then-liberal candidate Moon Jae-in.

Some other municipal heads are choosing to stay in office while competing in the primaries.

North Gyeongsang Province Gov. Lee Cheol-woo speaks during an interview with The Korea Times at North Gyeongsang Province's Seoul office, Feb. 19. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

Lee is expected to announce his candidacy at the National Assembly on Wednesday. He reportedly plans to participate in the PPP primary without resigning, using vacation days.

However, his decision has raised concerns, particularly as Gyeongju — a historic city in his province — is set to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in late October. The high-profile diplomatic event may be attended by global leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Preparations are underway, led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a special support team under the North Gyeongsang Provincial Government.

This recurring pattern of local leaders eyeing presidential bids — often creating administrative vacuums — has drawn criticism for undermining the duties they were elected for.

Under the Public Official Election Act, incumbent mayors and governors may participate in party primaries without resigning.

However, they are required to step down at least 30 days before the election if they become their party’s official candidate or if the primary extends beyond that point. This would trigger a by-election to fill the vacancy, often leaving local governments in limbo and burdening taxpayers with additional costs for holding the by-election.

Gyeonggi Province Gov. Kim Dong-yeon speaks during a press conference at the provincial government office, Friday. Courtesy of Gyeonggi Provincial Government

Meanwhile, from the liberal Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), Gyeonggi Province Gov. Kim Dong-yeon is preparing to run for president while staying in office. His top aides, including his spokesperson and chief of staff, have recently stepped down to assist in launching his campaign.

According to the Gyeonggi Provincial Government, Kim will officially announce his candidacy at Incheon International Airport on Wednesday, ahead of his departure for the United States to address tariff-related issues.

A former finance minister under the Moon administration, Kim is viewed as a potential challenger to DPK leader and presidential frontrunner Rep. Lee Jae-myung. Kim has occasionally voiced concerns over Lee’s growing dominance within the party.

Following Yoon’s impeachment last Friday, Kim held a press conference where he made remarks widely interpreted as a de facto campaign launch.

"In the face of an unpredictable economic crisis, we must come together with strength and wisdom," he said.

Other potential candidates from local government heads include Busan Mayor Park Heong-joon and Daejeon Mayor Lee Jang-woo, both of the PPP, although neither has made a formal announcement.