North Chungcheong Governor Shaves Head in Protest After Nomination Exclusion

North Chungcheong Province Governor Kim Young-hwan shaved his head on March 19, 2026, in a dramatic protest against his exclusion from the People Power Party’s nomination process for the upcoming gubernatorial election. The act of defiance came after the party opted not to include him as a candidate for a second term.

Protest and Public Sentiment

Governor Kim posted a video of himself shaving his head on his social media accounts, stating, “No one can stop public sentiment,” and questioning, “Who dares to cut off whose neck?” He emphasized that only the residents of North Chungcheong Province have the authority to remove him from office. He further stated, “You must not flutter your wings like a moth without knowing this,” and expressed continued hope, declaring, “Our despair is hope.”

Allegations of Political Manipulation

Governor Kim has repeatedly criticized the People Power Party’s Nomination Management Committee, alleging a conspiracy to favor former Chungcheongbuk-do Deputy Governor Kim Soo-min. He accused the committee of engaging in “dirty politics” and manipulating the nomination process. Specifically, he questioned why the head of the committee is from the Jeolla-do province, implying undue influence in the North Chungcheong election. Source

Resignations and Calls for Fairness

The controversy has led to further fallout within the party. Former Chungju Mayor Cho Gil-hyung voluntarily withdrew his candidacy, citing his disillusionment with the current state of the People Power Party. He expressed disappointment with the party’s actions, stating it was no longer the party he had previously supported. Source

Former National Police Agency Commissioner Yoon Hee-geun, also a candidate for governor, called for a fair and open competition, proposing a public debate among all candidates and the exclusion of additional nomination points. He advocated for a 100% public opinion poll to determine the final candidate. Source

Kim Soo-min’s Response

Kim Soo-min, who was considered a potential replacement candidate, requested a primary election to determine the nominee, stating that many untrue claims have been circulating. He expressed a desire to compete based on future visions for North Chungcheong Province. Source

Background

The People Power Party initially excluded Governor Kim from the nomination process on March 16, 2026. Source This decision prompted the subsequent protests and internal party conflict. Source