The People Power Party (PPP) has appointed Lee Jung-hyun as the head of its election committee ahead of the upcoming local elections on June 3, 2026. The move signals a key strategic decision as the party prepares to finalize its candidate selections.
Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk announced the appointment on February 12, 2026, during a meeting of the party’s supreme council. He described Lee as “a respected politician who has broken down regionalism” and praised his experience in advocating for decentralization and balanced national development as a former vice chairman of the Local Autonomy Commission.
“He has shown the value of integration and challenge by being elected several times in the Honam region, which is a difficult constituency,” Jang said.
Lee Jung-hyun also released a statement on social media, acknowledging the weight of the responsibility. “This nomination is not simply a process of selecting candidates, but a decision that will determine the future of the party,” he said. “I hope that through this nomination, generational change, a change of era, and a political change will be realized.”
He further pledged to ensure a fair and open selection process, stating, “I will ensure that the nomination is evaluated through open competition without any lobbying or phone calls. In particular, I will strive to ensure that young people who will be responsible for the future can enter the center of politics.”
The appointment comes as the PPP is also considering adjustments to its candidate selection rules. According to reports, the party is considering increasing the weight given to party member votes from 50% to 70% in the candidate selection process, while reducing the weight of public opinion polls to 30%. The Chosun Ilbo reported on this potential shift in November 2025.
Still, as of February 5, 2026, the party decided to maintain the current ratio of 50% for party member votes and 50% for public opinion polls. Newdaily reported that the party will also introduce a quantitative scoring system that could add up to 20 points for candidates, particularly focusing on youth and women.
The move to adjust the candidate selection process underscores the party’s efforts to revitalize its base and attract younger voters ahead of the crucial local elections.
