In a recent press conference, Kim Kyo-hung, a member of the Democratic Party, announced his decision to withdraw from the Incheon mayoral race as the June 3 local elections approach. He emphasized the importance of unity within the party, stating that they need to come together as a 'one team' to ensure a decisive victory in the local elections and support the Lee Jae-myung administration. This decision comes after Kim previously declared his candidacy for the same post just a month prior. He has since expressed his support for Park Chan-dae, another party member who is also in the running for the mayoral position.

On the opposing side, the People Power Party has seen a significant development as Lee Hak-jae, the head of Incheon International Airport Corporation, declared his decision not to run, effectively positioning the incumbent mayor, Yoo Jeong-bok, as a strong contender for the party's nominee. Yoo's candidacy was hinted at during his second pre-trial hearing regarding an election law violation, where his lawyer mentioned that the current mayor plans to participate in the upcoming election, viewing it as his final service to the community.

As it stands, the Incheon mayoral race is shaping up to be a competitive three-way contest, with Park Chan-dae, Yoo Jeong-bok, and Lee Gi-bung from the Reform Party all vying for the position. The political landscape in Incheon is becoming increasingly dynamic as both major parties prepare for the elections, and the implications of these candidacies could have significant effects on local governance and party dynamics, especially given the close proximity to the election date.