Seoul’s political landscape is once again in flux as Lee Jung-hyun, chairman of the People Power Party’s (PPP) nomination committee, reversed his recent resignation and resumed his role on March 15, 2026. This dramatic shift comes as the party struggles to finalize its candidate selection for the upcoming local elections, scheduled for June 3rd. Lee’s return, coupled with a mandate from party leader Jang Dong-hyuk to oversee the entire nomination process, has extended the registration deadline for candidates vying to become Seoul’s next mayor, a move widely seen as a direct appeal to current Mayor Oh Se-hoon. However, Oh Se-hoon is responding by prioritizing the formation of an innovation campaign committee, creating a standoff that threatens to further delay the already fraught nomination process.
The situation underscores the deep divisions within the PPP as it prepares for crucial local elections. Lee’s initial resignation on March 13th, just two days prior to his reversal, had thrown the nomination process into disarray. According to a statement released by Lee, Jang Dong-hyuk personally requested his return, granting him full authority over all aspects of the candidate selection. “Yesterday evening, the party leader conveyed his intention to entrust me with full power regarding nominations, in order to complete the innovation of the nominations,” Lee stated, adding that he would also accept full responsibility for the outcome. Jang Dong-hyuk reportedly met with Lee in Gyeonggi Province to persuade him to reconsider his resignation. This move signals a significant shift in strategy from the party leadership, aiming to consolidate control and expedite a resolution to the ongoing dispute.
Extended Deadline and a Standoff with Mayor Oh
Following his reinstatement, Lee announced a third extension to the registration deadline for the Seoul mayoral candidacy, pushing it to March 17th. This follows previous extensions from March 8th (originally closing at 10 PM) and March 12th. The initial deadline for applications was set for the day after the first extension, March 18th, but was subsequently moved to March 20th to accommodate concerns raised by Oh Se-hoon’s camp regarding the limited timeframe. Lee explained the latest extension was due to a lack of participation from potential challengers, describing it as an “unprecedented” move to encourage broader competition. However, he also cautioned that this would likely be the final extension, stating, “Re-nominations have occurred, but re-re-nominations are rare.”
Despite the extended deadline, Mayor Oh Se-hoon remains steadfast in his demand for the establishment of an innovation campaign committee before he will formally register his candidacy. A source close to the mayor indicated that a decision on registration will be contingent on discussions at the PPP’s Supreme Council meeting on March 16th, specifically regarding the formation of the committee. Oh Se-hoon’s allies reportedly favor former lawmaker Yoo Seung-min as the chairman of this committee, believing his leadership would be a significant asset to the campaign. This insistence on a pre-registration committee has been interpreted by some as a strategic maneuver to gain leverage in the nomination process and shape the direction of the campaign.
Party Divisions and Concerns Over Favoritism
Jang Dong-hyuk’s camp views Oh Se-hoon’s demand for a campaign committee prior to registration as unreasonable, arguing that it is illogical for a candidate who has not yet secured the nomination to dictate campaign strategy. A PPP official, speaking anonymously, criticized the situation, stating, “It’s not right for a party to rush to form a campaign committee before the nomination is finalized. There’s growing backlash from party members.” The official further argued that the nomination committee has already extended considerable concessions to Oh Se-hoon, and that he should now reciprocate by registering his candidacy. This sentiment reflects a growing concern within the party that Oh Se-hoon is being granted preferential treatment, potentially undermining the fairness and transparency of the nomination process.
The ongoing dispute highlights the internal tensions within the PPP, particularly between those who support Oh Se-hoon’s leadership and those who advocate for a more open and competitive nomination process. The situation is further complicated by the upcoming local elections, which are seen as a crucial test of the party’s strength and popularity. The PPP currently holds the Seoul mayoralty, and a failure to present a united front could jeopardize their chances of retaining the position. The party’s ability to resolve this internal conflict and finalize its candidate selection will be critical in determining its success in the June 3rd elections.
Other Nominations Confirmed
Amidst the turmoil surrounding the Seoul mayoral nomination, the PPP’s nomination committee did announce several other candidates on March 15th. Kim Tae-heum, the current governor of Chungcheongnam-do province, received a single nomination for the gubernatorial race. Similarly, Lee Jang-woo, the current mayor of Daejeon, was also given a single nomination for the mayoral election in that city. These confirmations demonstrate that the committee is making progress in finalizing nominations for other key positions, even as the Seoul mayoral race remains unresolved.
The ongoing saga surrounding the Seoul mayoral nomination underscores the challenges facing the People Power Party as it navigates a complex political landscape. The interplay between Lee Jung-hyun, Jang Dong-hyuk, and Oh Se-hoon will be pivotal in determining the outcome of this process. If the two leaders fail to reach a compromise, the uncertainty surrounding the Seoul mayoral candidacy could persist beyond March 17th, potentially damaging the PPP’s prospects in the upcoming local elections. The next key development will be the PPP Supreme Council meeting on March 16th, where the discussion of the innovation campaign committee is expected to take center stage.
The situation remains fluid, and further developments are anticipated in the coming days. Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts and perspectives on this evolving political story in the comments section below. Please also consider sharing this article with your networks to preserve others informed about the latest developments in South Korean politics.
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