The Democratic Party of Korea's South Jeolla Provincial Chapter announced primary results for seven cities and counties on Friday, confirming candidates for 17 of the province's 22 local government head positions.
In the Suncheon mayoral primary, preliminary candidate Son Hun-mo defeated Oh Ha-geun in the runoff to claim first place.
In the Gurye county head race, preliminary candidate Jang Gil-seon upset incumbent County Governor Kim Sun-ho in the runoff.
In Damyang, candidate Park Jong-won defeated Lee Gyu-hyun, setting up a general election showdown with the Rebuilding Korea Party.
In Yeonggwang, incumbent Jang Se-il defeated Kim Hye-young, while in Jangheung, incumbent Kim Seong beat Gwak Tae-su to secure the nomination.
In Wando, where three candidates competed, Woo Hong-seop and Ji Young-bae, both with diverse public service experience, advanced to the runoff together.
In the four-way Muan county head primary, no candidate secured 50 percent of the vote, sending Kim San and Na Gwang-guk to a runoff to determine the final nominee.
Analysts note that Na Gwang-guk, who reached a unification agreement with eliminated candidate Choi Ok-su regardless of the primary outcome, could emerge as a key variable in the runoff against three-term challenger Kim San.
The Democratic Party had previously confirmed 12 local government head candidates: Lee Nam-oh for Hampyeong, Kim Cheol-woo for Boseong, Jo Sang-rae for Gokseong, Gong Young-min for Goheung, Kang Seong-hwi for Mokpo, Jeong In-hwa for Gwangyang, Yoon Byeong-tae for Naju, Cha Young-su for Gangjin, Lee Jae-gak for Jindo, Woo Seung-hee for Yeongam, Myeong Hyeon-gwan for Haenam, and Park Woo-ryang for Sinan.
