Min Hyung-bae holds a commanding lead in the Jeonnam-Gwangju integrated special mayoral race due to the Democratic Party of Korea's long-standing dominance in the region, reinforced by his successful unification with rival Joo Chul-hyun in the party primary and final nomination in mid-April. The People Power Party's late-April selection of Lee Jung-hyun as its candidate has not shifted the contest, as local voters have consistently favored Democratic nominees in comparable races. With the election scheduled amid broader local by-elections triggered by resignations, the current trader consensus reflects entrenched regional voting patterns and the absence of major campaign disruptions. Late developments such as an unexpected scandal or unusually low turnout could still alter the outcome, though such shifts remain improbable given the structural advantages.