The Democratic Party of Korea has announced that it will conduct primaries to select candidates for local governors in four regions, namely Seoul, Gyeonggi, Ulsan, and Jeonnam-Gwangju, for the upcoming local elections on June 3. In Gyeonggi Province, current Governor Kim Dong-yeon is among several candidates vying for the position, while in Seoul, the competition is now reduced to five candidates after one was nominated for a ministerial post. This strategic move emphasizes the party's commitment to a democratic selection process amidst a competitive political climate.

In Seoul, six candidates initially registered, including notable incumbents and former officials, but the race tightened when Park Hong-geun was named a nominee for the new Minister of Planning and Budget. The remaining candidates are now gearing up for a fierce competition that includes conducting preliminary rounds where the top three candidates will be selected. The Democratic Party has also implemented measures to ensure diversity among the candidates by requiring that at least one candidate from underrepresented groups be included in the final selection.

Furthermore, Gyeonggi’s primaries will be similar as they also aim to shortlist candidates from a diverse pool. Ulsan and Jeonnam-Gwangju are also witnessing heightened competition with significant figures announced as potential candidates. As the party prepares for key electoral battles, the emphasis on citizen involvement through the 'citizen nomination jury system' in Jeonnam-Gwangju represents an innovative approach to engaging the grassroots in political processes. All reported outcomes reflect a strategic positioning by the Democratic Party ahead of the crucial elections, aiming for strong representation in influential metropolitan regions.