People Power Party’s Lee Jung-hyun Reinstated as Nomination Chief Amidst Election Concerns

Seoul, South Korea – Lee Jung-hyun, head of the nomination committee for South Korea’s People Power Party (PPP), resumed his duties on Sunday, March 15, 2026, just two days after offering to resign. This reversal comes ahead of the crucial June 3 local elections, as the party grapples with declining approval ratings and challenges in securing candidates.

Return After Reaffirmation of Authority

Lee’s decision to return followed a meeting with PPP leader Jang Dong-hyeok, who reportedly reaffirmed Lee’s “full authority” over all matters related to nominations. Lee stated he would capture “full responsibility for the election results” and emphasized his commitment to making necessary decisions during the nomination process, even if they challenge established practices. Yonhap News Agency reported on this development.

Internal Disputes and the Daegu Nomination

Lee initially offered to resign due to internal disagreements over candidate selections, particularly in the southeastern city of Daegu, a traditional conservative stronghold. The Chosun Ilbo detailed that Lee considered excluding up to five senior lawmakers from the Daegu nominations, sparking resistance within the nomination committee. He reportedly drew a line against applying a specific primary election method in Daegu, deeming it too revolutionary at this stage.

Focus on Seoul Mayoral Nomination

With Lee’s reinstatement, the PPP is prioritizing the nomination process for Seoul’s mayoral candidate. The party announced plans to accept additional nominations on March 16th, review applications on March 17th and conduct interviews on March 18th. The Maeil Business Newspaper highlighted the importance of Seoul, viewing current Mayor Oh Se-hoon as a “valuable asset” and anticipating his participation in the nomination process.

Challenges and Concerns

Despite Lee’s return, the PPP faces significant hurdles. The party’s approval rating has fallen to around 20 percent, and candidate recruitment remains difficult. Reports indicate that Mayor Oh Se-hoon is demanding the establishment of an “Innovative Election Committee” and personnel reform before participating in the nomination process, adding another layer of complexity.

Historical Context of Nomination Disputes

Internal conflicts over nominations are not uncommon in South Korean politics. Past instances, such as disputes during the Democratic Party’s nomination processes, demonstrate the sensitive and often contentious nature of candidate selection. These historical precedents underscore the challenges the PPP faces in achieving unity and transparency during this critical period.

Looking Ahead

Lee Jung-hyun’s return signals a commitment to pursuing “innovative nominations” and addressing the challenges facing the People Power Party. The coming weeks will be crucial as the party navigates internal divisions, seeks to attract strong candidates, and attempts to regain public trust ahead of the June 3 local elections. The success of these efforts will likely determine the PPP’s prospects in the upcoming polls and its overall political standing.