Five Democratic Party candidates vying for the Gyeonggi governor nomination clashed at a joint speech session on the 15th, each claiming to be the ideal partner for President Lee Jae-myung's government ahead of the June 3 local elections. The candidates emphasized their ties to President Lee and policy succession while engaging in sharp exchanges over regional issues and primary election procedures.
Taking the podium in ballot order, candidate Han Jun-ho dismissed the so-called "prosecution withdrawal deal theory" as irresponsible conspiracy and declared he would "firmly stand against forces trying to destabilize the Lee Jae-myung government." Candidate Choo Mi-ae followed, citing President Lee's achievements as Seongnam mayor and Gyeonggi governor, including disaster relief funds and valley maintenance projects. "I will restore Gyeonggi Province's pride with proven capability and confident leadership," she said.
Candidate Yang Ki-dae, highlighting his administrative background, promised that "the Lee Jae-myung-Yang Ki-dae partnership will maximize government achievements" and pledged to lead the fight for prosecution withdrawal regarding allegations of investigative manipulation. Candidate Kwon Chil-seung presented bold policy proposals including expansion of "Gyeonggi-exclusive buses" to ease commuter hardships and attracting a small modular reactor (SMR) demonstration complex to secure power supply.
Candidate Kim Dong-yeon, the incumbent governor, emphasized his proven track record, stating "now is the time for work, not division." He pledged to begin construction of 800,000 housing units and build 265,000 public rental units during his term to stabilize the real estate market, highlighting his readiness as the government's primary partner. The candidates unanimously called on party leadership to increase the number of joint debates beyond the single session currently scheduled, as Seoul has done.
