Regional leaders eye early presidential bids as Yoon's impeachment trial nears end

Political tensions rise as ruling and opposition figures get ready for pivotal shifts

By Jung Da-hyun

Prominent local figures are positioning themselves for a possible bid for the nation's top office, as speculation grows about a potential early presidential election. This comes as the Constitutional Court approaches a decision on President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment trial.

If the court upholds Yoon’s impeachment, a presidential election must be held within 60 days. According to the Public Official Election Act, sitting city mayors and provincial governors are required to resign at least 30 days before the election if they wish to run.

Governors from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), including those from Gyeonggi Province and South Jeolla Province, have been actively engaging with the public in an effort to enhance their appeal.

Meanwhile, mayors from the ruling People Power Party (PPP), including those from Seoul, Daegu and Busan, are adopting a different strategy — expanding their influence within the party while carefully assessing the sentiments of conservatives, some of whom oppose impeachment, as they consider their political prospects.

Gyeonggi Province Gov. Kim Dong-yeon is positioning himself as a key figure in the DPK, advocating for a broader coalition aimed at facilitating a power shift.

During a visit to the National Cemetery on Feb. 13, Kim emphasized the need for what he called a “broader” DPK to achieve a power transition.

Kim has been vocal in criticizing the party’s declining approval ratings and its leader, Rep. Lee Jae-myung, directly challenging his dominant leadership while advocating for internal reforms.

He has advocated for a transition to a four-year, two-term presidency, instead of the current single, five-year tenure, along with enhanced decentralization, and suggested shortening the next president’s term to three years to synchronize the general and presidential elections in 2028. However, he proposed that any constitutional amendments should be agreed upon before a potential impeachment ruling and formally pursued after the next presidential election.

South Jeolla Province Gov. Kim Yung-rok also announced his intention to run in an early presidential election if the court upholds Yoon’s impeachment.

Speaking to journalists on Feb. 3, he underscored South Jeolla Province’s influence in shaping the country’s political landscape. The southwestern region of Korea has historically been a stronghold of the DPK, significantly influencing national politics.

Kim also pushed for sweeping political reforms, arguing that the current system, established in 1987, needs a complete overhaul.

Meanwhile, ruling party-affiliated mayors are navigating the political landscape with varying degrees of caution.

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon has yet to officially confirm whether he would run in a potential early presidential election. However, his actions suggest he is preparing for the possibility.

Oh has positioned himself as a leading voice in constitutional reform discussions, advocating for a more decentralized government. He has also been active on social media, highlighting Lee's ongoing legal troubles and criticizing the Constitutional Court’s handling of Yoon's impeachment trial, strategically appealing to centrist and conservative voters.

Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo expressed strong confidence in his preparedness for any election scenario. At a press conference on Dec. 26, he stated, "I am preparing for all scenarios — whether it be an early presidential election, a regularly scheduled one or a shortened-term election," signaling his readiness to enter the race under any circumstances.

In contrast, Busan Mayor Park Heong-joon has taken a more cautious stance. He has voiced concerns over premature discussions of an early presidential election, stressing his strong objections to the impeachment trial and demanding that the Constitutional Court must ensure a fair and just ruling.

Park also argued that it is inappropriate to discuss a presidential election before the trial has concluded.

Meanwhile, Yoon’s impeachment trial continued on Thursday with its 10th hearing. A verdict could be issued as early as mid-March after a two-week deliberation period.