As tensions rise within the People Power Party regarding candidacy conflicts for the June 3 local elections, various party members have made provocative statements that have further aggravated regional sentiments. Following his removal from candidacy for the Chungbuk governor position, Kim Young-hwan criticized Lee Jung-hyun, the head of the Party's candidate management committee, questioning why a person from Jeolla Province could dictate the Chungbuk elections without understanding the local sentiment. His comments referenced a perceived negative stereotype associated with Jeolla Province, which caused considerable controversy and led him to later amend his remarks to focus on the committee's mismanagement.

On the day before, another candidate, Joo Ho-young, who had applied for the Daegu mayoral candidacy, also criticized Lee Jung-hyun, inquiring how someone from Honam (Jeolla Province) could truly understand Daegu, insinuating a lack of understanding and respect towards local figures. Lee, known for being unsupportive of incumbent politicians like Joo, vehemently rebutted this, stating that he would resist politics that use regional feelings as a shield to hinder innovation and progress. His stance presents a clear division within the party between those focusing on local sentiments and those advocating for reform.

A first-term member of the National Assembly, commenting on the affair, expressed disappointment at the local derogatory remarks, suggesting that if the officials had thought more broadly about the elections, they would have refrained from such statements. This situation is reflective of deeper regional divides and growing tensions within the South Korean political landscape as local elections approach, emphasizing the delicate nature of regional identities and electorates in political discourse.