On the 12th, Kim Dong-yeon and Choo Mi-ae, both affiliated with the Democratic Party of Korea, officially declared their candidacy for the Governor of Gyeonggi Province, setting the stage for a competitive local election. During his announcement in Anyang, Kim emphasized that this election is about selecting a 'responsible manager for Gyeonggi Province' rather than party leaders. He highlighted his commitment to supporting the government's real estate and economic policies and introduced key initiatives such as creating a project to build one billion assets for Gyeonggi residents and reducing living costs related to housing, care, and transportation by half.

Choo Mi-ae, speaking at a press conference in the National Assembly the same day, called for a transformative leadership focused on the people of Gyeonggi Province. She reiterated her dedication to reform and promised to lead the provincial administration with responsible and proactive governance. Her main proposals included the innovation of administration services using artificial intelligence and the establishment of a Gyeonggi-style basic income.

The race is intensifying as Kim and Choo join a competitive preliminary trial with other candidates, including Gyeonggi lawmakers and previous local officials. The earlier candidate declarations are setting the stage for a heated primary with the Democratic Party's central committee implementing strict rules on participation in campaign teams to ensure fair competition. The process will further involve a combination of party member votes and public opinion polling for the key election stages.