Ulsan Mayoral Race: Democratic Party Candidates Vie for Nomination

Ahead of the June 3 local elections, the Democratic Party of Korea is engaged in a primary competition to select its candidate for the Ulsan mayoral election. Four candidates are competing for the nomination: Representative Kim Sang-wook, former Ulsan Mayor Song Cheol-ho, Ahn Jae-hyun and Lee Seon-ho, a former Blue House Secretary for Autonomy and Development.

Candidate Profiles

Kim Sang-wook

Representative Kim Sang-wook, 46, is a lawyer who previously worked at The Jeongsung law firm. He was initially elected to the National Assembly representing the Ulsan Namgu Gap constituency under the People Power Party in the 22nd general election. He later switched affiliations to the Democratic Party of Korea in May 2025, citing his support for the impeachment of Yoon Suk Yeol [1]. Kim has stated his intention to run a policy-focused campaign, avoiding negative campaigning [3].

Song Cheol-ho

Former Ulsan Mayor Song Cheol-ho, 77, is a former human rights lawyer who previously served as mayor of Ulsan from 2018. He faced indictment related to the “Blue House investigation” during his tenure but was ultimately found not guilty by the Supreme Court after a legal battle lasting five years and seven months [3]. He is running again for the mayoral election and intends to campaign with a humble approach [3].

Ahn Jae-hyun

Ahn Jae-hyun, 58, has a long history of civic engagement in Ulsan, working as a dentist and activist for over 30 years. He has held leadership positions in organizations such as the Ulsan Environmental Movement Federation, the Dental Association for a Healthy Society, and the Labor Human Rights Solidarity. He too served as chairman of the Ulsan City Future Vision Committee and as a standing representative of the Ulsan Regional Committee of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation [2]. Ahn is campaigning on a platform of “modern politics” and a commitment to principle and common sense [3].

Lee Seon-ho

Lee Seon-ho, 65, began his career as a labor activist and became involved in politics through the “Nosamo” movement. He was elected mayor of Ulju-gun in the 2018 local elections and has also served as chairman of the Ulsan City Party Committee of the Democratic Party and as a secretary for autonomous development at the Blue House [2]. Lee emphasizes his political experience and aims to determine who is best suited to lead Ulsan’s transformation [3].

Ulsan Mayoral Primary Candidates

The four candidates – Kim Sang-wook, Song Cheol-ho, Ahn Jae-hyun, and Lee Seon-ho – will compete in the Democratic Party’s primary to determine who will represent the party in the Ulsan mayoral election [2].