Essential Guide to 2026 Local Elections: Strategies from Top Candidates Revealed

Kim Hae-sol | 2026.03.10

Translation result.
 Yonhap
 Yonhap
[Herald Economy=Reporter Kim Hae-sol] The People Power Party’s Candidate Selection Committee for the June 3 local elections began interviews on the 10th with candidates competing for major metropolitan mayoral posts, including Seoul and Daegu.At the party headquarters in Yeouido, the committee conducted interviews in the following order: a one-minute self-introduction, a regional vision presentation (PT), and a Q&A session.Rep. Joo Ho-young, who appeared for the Daegu mayoral interview, warned that “the previous mayor’s absence has halted all ongoing initiatives,” stressing that “resolving stalled issues must be our top priority.” Rep. Yoon Jae-ok said he “explained in detail what new leadership Daegu needs for a major transformation,” while Rep. Choo Kyung-ho pledged, “I will immediately move to draft a supplementary budget to address Daegu’s economic challenges.”In the Seoul mayor interview, candidates revealed sharp differences over Mayor Oh Se-hoon’s recent conduct. Former Rep. Yoon Hee-suk took a conciliatory tone: “I fully understand his dedication,” adding, “It is regrettable, but what comes next is more important.” By contrast, Committee Chair Lee Sang-gyu criticized the behavior as “tantrum-like,” and Party Leader Lee Seung-hyun distanced himself, saying, “I don’t understand why he is so entangled in political matters.”Daejeon Mayor Lee Jang-woo portrayed the city’s transformation: “With a surge in tourists, a once ‘no-fun’ city has become lively, popular, and even a destination people wait to visit.” Sejong Mayor Choi Min-ho pledged, “We will win the election by mobilizing young voters and highlighting the strength of our candidate lineup.”On the possibility of additional nominations, Committee Chair Lee Jung-hyun noted, “Some regions still have no applicants, and various circumstances may arise during review. We will make decisions following committee deliberations.”