Song Gi-seob, the outgoing mayor of Jincheon County, officially stepped down on September 9th to compete in the Chungbuk governor election, emphasizing his commitment to community development during his farewell speech. With a robust administrative background, including a tenure as the head of the Construction Headquarters for Administrative Cities, Song's candidacy is expected to bring a wealth of experience and performance-focused governance to the race. His statements reflect a desire to turn local crises into opportunities, positioning him as a strong candidate amidst an evolving political landscape in Chungbuk.

Meanwhile, former Chungju Mayor Cho Gil-hyung, who served for 12 years, also announced his intention to run shortly after his resignation on August 30th. Cho, who has a background as a police official, expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him by the citizens and his readiness for a 'new start.' His entry into the race is expected to create significant competition, particularly as he will need to surpass the current governor, Kim Young-hwan, to secure a spot in the finals of the election.

The political dynamics are further complicated by the presence of other strong candidates from both major parties, with Song representing the Democratic Party and Cho from the People Power Party. Notable figures such as former lawmakers and seasoned public officials are also in the running, suggesting a fierce battle for the governorship as these candidates bring their own political legacies and ambitions to the forefront of the Chungbuk election scene.