In the context of this year's local elections, conversations surrounding the Gyeonggi Province governor race are highlighted by a noticeable absence of viable candidates from the ruling People Power Party (PPP), leading to joking references to long-forgotten names in the political landscape. While the opposition Democratic Party (DP) boasts a variety of possible candidates like Kim Dong-yeon, there isn't a clear contender from the PPP. The situation reflects broader concerns regarding the party's face in local governance and electoral viability amidst rising competition from their rivals.

As the election approaches, speculation over candidates has led to a shift in discussion dynamics. The potential candidates from the PPP, including figures such as Yoo Seung-min and Han Dong-hoon, appear less inclined to enter the race due to previous statements and the current political climate within the party. The lack of compelling choices has prompted informal yet serious doubts about the party's standing, hinting at an almost predetermined result leaning towards the DP, which has produced a certain apathy among constituents regarding this key gubernatorial position.

Polls indicate a significant lead for the DP, with stakeholders beginning to view the outcome as largely in their favor, diminishing media coverage and public interest in what is historically one of the most critical electoral contests in South Korea. Meanwhile, the more prominent news narratives focus on other key elections, such as the Seoul mayoral race, diverting attention from the Gyeonggi Province election where potentially impactful dynamics could shift future political alignments in a populous region that has recently fallen off the media radar.