People Power Party Grapples with Gyeonggi Governor Nomination, Eyes Yoo Seong-min
The People Power Party (PPP) is facing significant hurdles in its quest to secure a candidate for the crucial Gyeonggi governor position in the upcoming June 3 local elections. This electoral challenge has reignited internal discussions surrounding the potential involvement of former lawmaker Yoo Seong-min, often referred to as the “Yoo Seong-min role theory.”
In recent weeks, prominent figures within the PPP, including party leader Jang Dong-hyeok, have made overtures, both directly and indirectly, urging Yoo to consider a run for the governorship. However, reports indicate that Yoo has consistently declined these invitations. Aides close to Yoo have stated that he remains firm in his conviction that he cannot assume any role within the party’s current strategic direction.
Despite Yoo’s reservations, the “Yoo Seong-min role theory” has gained renewed traction. This resurgence is driven by the assessment that if Rep. Choo Mi-ae of the Democratic Party of Korea, who currently leads in major opinion polls, is confirmed as her party’s Gyeonggi candidate, Yoo’s established image as a moderate, rational, and centrist politician could provide the most formidable counterweight.
Lee Jung-hyun, the head of the PPP’s nomination committee, articulated the party’s strategic imperative on Facebook, emphasizing the importance of the capital region in conservative rebuilding efforts. “The three axes of the capital region—Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi—will be the center of conservative reconstruction,” Lee wrote. “Top-tier presidential contenders must confront each other head-on in the capital region.” He further alluded to the Gyeonggi gubernatorial race, stating, “In Gyeonggi, a decision is needed from someone who has designed South Korea’s economy. The public already knows who that is.” This statement was widely interpreted within political circles as a veiled reference to Yoo Seong-min, an economist with a background at the Korea Development Institute (KDI) and a graduate of Seoul National University’s economics department.
Currently, the PPP has only two official applicants for the Gyeonggi governor nomination: Supreme Council member Yang Hyang-ja and former Korea Expressway Corporation CEO Ham Jin-gyu. Sources within the nomination committee reportedly believe that these candidates may lack the necessary competitiveness for the general election. Consequently, the committee is exploring options such as strategic nominations or encouraging additional applications. Yoo Seong-min is understood to be a prime candidate for a potential strategic nomination.
Meanwhile, the PPP has already made progress in other key mayoral races. For the Seoul mayoral election, the preliminary candidates include incumbent Mayor Oh Se-hoon, Rep. Park Soo-min, and former Rep. Yoon Hee-sook. In Incheon, the party has opted for a single nomination, backing incumbent Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok.
The PPP leadership appears to be employing a multi-pronged approach to persuade Yoo Seong-min to participate. Key figures are reportedly reaching out to his camp through various channels. Party leader Jang Dong-hyeok is said to have recently contacted Yoo to express his appreciation for Yoo’s support during a hunger strike. Similarly, Floor Leader Song Eon-seog has reportedly engaged with Yoo, conveying the party’s challenging circumstances. Nomination officials are allegedly urging Yoo’s camp to encourage him to “step forward with the spirit of prioritizing the party over personal interests.”
Exploring Alternative Roles for Yoo Seong-min
Beyond a gubernatorial bid, there is also a significant movement within the PPP to appoint Yoo Seong-min as the chairperson of the innovation election campaign committee. This proposal stems from the belief that Yoo, who champions a “moderate-capital region-youth” (중·수·청) strategy, could play a pivotal role in galvanizing support during the local elections. In this vein, Oh Se-hoon’s campaign team has reportedly explored Yoo’s openness to accepting the innovation committee chair position. The rationale behind this approach is that Yoo’s involvement, whether as a candidate or in a key committee role, could have a positive ripple effect on the Seoul mayoral race.
Furthermore, some party members are advocating for Yoo to serve as a mediator, tasked with fostering unity among prominent figures like Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, Reform Party leader Lee Jun-seok, and former PPP leader Han Dong-hoon. A PPP official commented on the broader implications, stating, “The party leadership must create a reason for Yoo to run. This isn’t just about finding one Gyeonggi candidate—Yoo’s participation could become a linchpin for conservative unity.”
However, Yoo Seong-min has consistently drawn a clear line regarding such proposals. In a television interview last month, he explicitly stated, “I have no intention of running for Gyeonggi governor at all. My remaining political mission is to rebuild conservative politics.” This stance has remained largely unchanged. A close aide revealed that Yoo is deeply concerned by the PPP’s recurring internal disputes but appears to believe that his influence is limited in the current political climate.
Amidst these internal party deliberations, Yoo Seong-min recently commemorated the 16th anniversary of the Cheonan sinking. His remarks underscored a commitment to national security and remembrance, stating, “We must unite resolutely against North Korea’s provocations. We will build defense and veteran affairs that do not shame the heroes.”
