Political Briefing — April 28, 2026

Top 3 Key Issues

2 sources

joongang.co.kr

정치 | 중앙일보

joongang.co.kr

정치 | 중앙일보

1. PPP Confirms Rep. Choo Kyung-ho for Daegu Mayor, Nomination Race Heats Up

• What happened: The People Power Party’s Central Nomination Management Committee (Chair: Park Duk-hyum) officially announced on April 26 at the Yeouido party headquarters that Rep. Choo Kyung-ho has been selected as the final candidate for the Daegu mayoral race in the June 3rd local elections. This essentially wraps up the PPP's search for top-tier candidates in their Daegu-Gyeongbuk (TK) stronghold, allowing them to shift focus to setting up campaign structures.

• Background: With the local elections just five weeks away, the party is rushing to finish nominations across the country. They’re busy forming independent campaign committees in Gyeonggi Province, while reports suggest a "de-Jang Dong-hyeok" trend is brewing within the party's Seoul branch. By sticking to the primary process, the committee seems to be trying to keep internal noise to a minimum.

• Reactions: PPP — Committee Chair Park Duk-hyum held a briefing to announce the results and encourage party unity. DP — No immediate official comment regarding Choo Kyung-ho’s bid. Government/Presidential Office — No comment.

• Impact: As a former Deputy Prime Minister for Economy with strong national recognition, Choo is expected to provide a solid base for the PPP to maintain its traditional dominance in the TK region. However, whether other runners within the party push back remains a potential variable for future campaigning.

2. Busan Buk-gu (A) By-election: Han Dong-hoon vs. Park Min-shik

• What happened: A fierce competition is forming for the Busan Buk-gu (A) National Assembly by-election nomination between former PPP leader Han Dong-hoon and former Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Park Min-shik. KBS has highlighted this as a major political issue.

• Background: The by-election is expected to be held alongside the June 3rd local elections. With high-profile party figures expressing interest, the nomination battle is intensifying. Han has been looking for a political comeback since stepping down as party leader, while Park is leaning heavily on his strong base in Busan.

• Reactions: PPP — The committee hasn't picked a final candidate yet; they are considering either a primary or a strategic nomination. DP — They are hoping to gain a strategic advantage as the PPP’s internal competition intensifies. Government/Presidential Office — No comment.

• Impact: The result will be a key indicator of public sentiment in the Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam (PK) region. If Han wins the nomination, it could help rally the party’s middle-tier members; if he loses, it could deepen internal divisions.

3. Nomination Conflict in DP: Kim Yong Supporters Stage "Protest"

• What happened: Supporters of Kim Yong, former vice-director of the Institute for Democracy, are effectively staging a "nomination protest" against the Democratic Party leadership. They put pressure on party leaders by circulating an online list of about 60 DP lawmakers who support Kim’s recovery and nomination.

• Background: Kim Yong has been involved in legal issues, leading to ongoing controversy over his eligibility for nomination. The fact that supporters are using a "list of 60" to exert collective pressure suggests that internal nomination conflicts could escalate into organized clashes.

• Reactions: DP — The leadership is staying quiet but emphasizing strict adherence to standard nomination procedures. PPP — They are looking to leverage the DP's internal strife to their advantage. Government/Presidential Office — No comment.

• Impact: If the conflict drags on, it could weaken the DP's unity and drive away voters. It is a major risk factor, especially in by-elections where public opinion in the Seoul metropolitan area is so sensitive.

National Assembly & Government Updates

• April 28 Plenary Session: Scheduled for 2:00 PM. All eyes are on whether key bills will be processed.

• Science, ICT, Broadcasting, and Communications Committee: Meeting at 9:30 AM in Room 627 (Main Building). Expected to discuss AI and digital-related bills.

• Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, Oceans and Fisheries Committee: Meeting scheduled for today to discuss current issues in the sector.

• National Assembly Speaker’s Meeting: Speaker meeting with Latvia’s Speaker of the Saeima, Daiga Mieriņa, at 11:00 AM in the Assembly Reception Room.

• UNICEF Executive Director Meeting: The Speaker will meet with the UNICEF Executive Director at 4:00 PM.

Party Trends

Ruling Party (People Power Party)

• Position: Park Duk-hyum confirmed Choo Kyung-ho's candidacy, promising full party support. Efforts to organize campaign committees in Gyeonggi and Seoul are picking up speed.
• Dynamics: A "de-Jang Dong-hyeok" sentiment is being felt in Seoul, and the Han-Park showdown in Busan is drawing all the attention. Representative Jang Dong-hyeok is busy visiting regions and managing local election preparations.

Opposition Party (Democratic Party)

• Position: The leadership is focused on healing internal rifts while managing nominations. Regarding the Kim Yong issue, they are holding to the stance that everything must be handled according to official procedures.
• Dynamics: The release of the list of 60 supporters is seen as a move toward factional mobilization. There is growing concern that these fights are draining the party's energy right when it needs to be laser-focused on the elections.

Media Analysis

• JoongAng Ilbo (Center-right): Reported that Governor Kim (Gyeonggi) asked Rep. Jang Dong-hyeok to "return to the cool Jang Dong-hyeok of the past," highlighting the public disagreement over leadership within the PPP. They also introduced a new series, "Hwang Hyun-hee’s Uncomfortable Yeouido."

• Dong-A Ilbo (Conservative): Focused on the DP's nomination conflict, arguing that the online pressure campaign by Kim Yong’s supporters undermines the leadership's autonomy. Emphasized that internal discipline is key for both parties.

• Hankyoreh (Progressive): Deep-dived into how the Middle East situation, following the U.S.-Iran ceasefire, impacts domestic oil prices and the economy. Regarding politics, they warned of voter fatigue as the nomination process turns into a "proxy war" for public sentiment.

Important Upcoming Dates

• April 28 (Today): National Assembly plenary session, committee meetings, and international diplomatic engagements.
• April 27 (Yesterday): 8th anniversary of the April 27 Panmunjom Declaration, Intelligence Committee meeting, and State Veterans Committee meeting.
• Mid-May: Official campaign period for the June 3rd local elections begins.
• June 3: 8th National Simultaneous Local Elections and parliamentary by-elections.

Bottom Line

With 36 days to go before the June 3rd local elections, both parties are facing a test of balancing internal unity with nomination conflicts. For the PPP, the success of the Choo-Han card is crucial; for the DP, burying the Kim Yong nomination controversy is their first major hurdle.