Gwangju Struggles, Jeonnam Surges: One Year Before Korea’s Local Elections, Who Will Lead the Region?

Gwangju and Jeonnam: Political Heartlands in Flux

Did you know that the Gwangju and Jeonnam regions have long been considered the strongholds of progressive politics in South Korea? As the 9th nationwide local elections approach in June 2026, the political climate here is anything but predictable. Recent polls, conducted by major local media and Korea Research International, reveal a fascinating split: Gwangju’s incumbent mayor is struggling, while Jeonnam’s governor and education chiefs are riding high in the polls. This dynamic is stirring up lively debates across Korean news outlets, blogs, and online communities.

Incumbent Fortunes: Gwangju’s Mayor Faces Challenges, Jeonnam’s Governor Holds Strong

Let’s break down the numbers. In Gwangju, the current mayor Kang Gi-jung is trailing behind Democratic Party lawmaker Min Hyung-bae, who leads with 30% support compared to Kang’s 22%. The race is far from settled, as nearly 30% of respondents remain undecided. Meanwhile, in Jeonnam, Governor Kim Young-rok enjoys a commanding 32% preference, far ahead of his closest rival, Democratic Party lawmaker Joo Cheol-hyun, at 9%. The governor’s strong performance is echoed by a 76% positive job approval rating, reflecting broad satisfaction with his leadership. However, with 39% of Jeonnam voters still undecided, the final outcome is far from certain.

Education Chiefs: Mixed Fortunes and High Uncertainty

Education is a hot-button issue in both regions. In Gwangju, the superintendent race is neck-and-neck: incumbent Lee Jung-sun has 21% support, while Kim Yong-tae, former head of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation’s Gwangju Citizen School, trails closely at 16%. But here’s the kicker—over 52% of voters are still undecided. In Jeonnam, incumbent superintendent Kim Dae-jung is well ahead with 30%, but the undecided rate soars to 57%. This means the education chief races could swing dramatically as election day nears.

The Power of the Undecided Voter: Why the Next Year Matters

One of the most striking features of these polls is the sheer size of the undecided voter bloc. In both Gwangju and Jeonnam, undecided rates hover between 30% and 57% depending on the race. This is fueling intense speculation on local forums like DC Inside, FM Korea, and Instiz, where users debate the impact of last-minute shifts. Many community members argue that candidates’ ability to connect with these swing voters—especially the youth and urban professionals—will be the deciding factor.

Key Issues: Airport Relocation, AI City, and Medical School Integration

Beyond personalities, regional issues are shaping voter sentiment. President Lee Jae-myung’s pledge to relocate Gwangju’s civilian and military airports to Muan Airport enjoys overwhelming support: 71% of Gwangju citizens and 64% of Jeonnam residents approve. The AI mobility pilot city project in Gwangju is another hot topic, with 28% of locals citing government funding as the most urgent need. Meanwhile, in Jeonnam, 38% of respondents prioritize the rapid integration of Mokpo and Suncheon universities and the recruitment of faculty for the new national medical school. These issues are discussed passionately on Naver and Tistory blogs, where residents share hopes and frustrations about the future of their communities.

Party Loyalty and Presidential Approval: The Democratic Party’s Stronghold

Party loyalty remains robust: the Democratic Party commands 71% support in Gwangju and 77% in Jeonnam, dwarfing rivals like the Cho Kuk Innovation Party and the People Power Party. President Lee Jae-myung, who received overwhelming support in the last presidential election, continues to enjoy high approval—87% in Gwangju and 88% in Jeonnam. However, some bloggers and commenters on Nate Pann and Daum caution against complacency, pointing to lingering dissatisfaction with the pace of regional reforms and concerns over ongoing legal risks facing national leaders.

Community Voices: Optimism, Skepticism, and the Demand for Change

Online communities reflect a spectrum of emotions. On Theqoo and Naver, some users express pride in the region’s political engagement and hope for continued reform. Others, especially on FM Korea and PGR21, voice skepticism about the ruling party’s ability to deliver real change, with comments like 'We need action, not just promises.' The debate is especially heated over the airport relocation, with some worried about economic disruption and others seeing it as a chance for new growth. Across all platforms, one message is clear: voters want leaders who listen and act.

Cultural Context: Why Gwangju and Jeonnam Matter to Korea—and the World

For international readers, it’s important to understand that Gwangju and Jeonnam are not just political battlegrounds—they are symbols of Korea’s modern democratic movement. The 1980 Gwangju Uprising, a watershed moment in Korean history, still shapes the region’s identity and its commitment to progressive values. This legacy explains why elections here attract national and even global attention. As the 2026 local elections approach, all eyes are on how these regions will balance tradition, reform, and the demands of a rapidly changing society.

Looking Ahead: What to Watch in the Coming Year

With one year to go, the race in Gwangju and Jeonnam is wide open. The high rate of undecided voters, the prominence of local issues, and the region’s deep political roots mean that anything could happen. Whether you’re a fan of Korean politics or just curious about the forces shaping East Asia’s democracy, keep an eye on these elections—they’re sure to offer plenty of surprises and insights into the future of Korea.