The upcoming Ulsan mayoral election is shaping up as candidates from major parties are confirmed ahead of the national local elections on June 3. Notable among these candidates is Kim Sang-wook from the Democratic Party, who emphasizes the urgency of the election for Ulsan's future, declaring that the city's survival is at stake. He aims to transform Ulsan from a closed, exclusive city into a more open, active, and fair environment, alongside a vision to enhance the region's industrial capabilities with artificial intelligence. Kim has stated he will focus on clean campaigning without engaging in negative tactics or mass organizing.

Current Mayor Kim Du-gyeom of the People Power Party has received the party's nomination without opposition and plans to resign from his mayoral position on June 2 to fully commit to the election. His commitment includes promoting Ulsan as a hub for artificial intelligence and industrial advancement, showcasing his platform at official announcement events. Meanwhile, Kim Jong-hun, the candidate from the Progressive Party, is positioning himself with a focus on labor policies such as newly established labor departments and public works wage guarantees. The Progressive Party candidate’s agenda highlights a continued emphasis on worker rights.

As the election approaches, debates surrounding former President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment and the 12-3 incident are expected to escalate, with candidates preparing for intense exchanges. Kim Sang-wook has publicly critiqued the 12-3 incident and supported the impeachment, leading to his departure from the People Power Party to join the Democratic Party, while Kim Jong-hun has consistently advocated for the elimination of the parties involved in the incident. This election is thus set against a backdrop of significant political tensions, making the unification of opposition candidates critical to their chances against the incumbent mayor.