Final candidate list confirmed without Moon Jin‑seok;

Moon Jin‑seok dips to 0%2%

the ballot will feature only his rivals, cementing a

Reform Party leader Lee Jun-seok announces Cho Eung-chun’s bid for Gyeonggi governor, emphasizing a competitive multi-party environment and further weakening Sung Il-jong’s

Reform Party leader Lee Jun-seok announces Cho Eung-chun’s bid for Gyeonggi governor, emphasizing a competitive multi-party environment and further weakening Sung Il-jong’s position by association with weaker opposition forces

Market commentary notes that the late‑stage regional shift toward the Democratic candidate, reinforced by recent polls (42.2% vs 29.5%), pushes Kim Tae‑heum’s implied probability

Market commentary notes that the late‑stage regional shift toward the Democratic candidate, reinforced by recent polls (42.2% vs 29.5%), pushes Kim Tae‑heum’s implied probability to a historic low

Democratic Party names “Cho Kuk sniper” Kim Yong‑nam for a different constituency, confirming that Kang Hoon‑sik will remain as presidential chief of staff and will not run for

Democratic Party names “Cho Kuk sniper” Kim Yong‑nam for a different constituency, confirming that Kang Hoon‑sik will remain as presidential chief of staff and will not run for governor

Kim Tae‑heum announces a 50 trillion‑won “Silicon Valley” investment pledge and the Asan‑Bay Valley project, briefly reviving his prospects (minor impact, but noted as a positive

Kim Tae‑heum announces a 50 trillion‑won “Silicon Valley” investment pledge and the Asan‑Bay Valley project, briefly reviving his prospects (minor impact, but noted as a positive signal)

Kim Tae‑heum pledges a ₩50 trillion “Silicon Valley” investment and finalisation of the Asan Bay Valley project, attempting to revive his campaign narrative but market impact

Kim Tae‑heum pledges a ₩50 trillion “Silicon Valley” investment and finalisation of the Asan Bay Valley project, attempting to revive his campaign narrative but market impact remains muted

Park Soo-hyun wins Democratic Party nomination for South Chungcheong governor, defeating Yang Seung-jo in runoff;

Park Soo-hyun surges to 92%48%

sets stage for June election against incumbent Kim Tae-heum

Polls released after the Democratic Party’s primary showed Park Soo‑hyun far ahead of PPP incumbent Kim Tae‑heum;

Yoon Sang‑hyun plunges to 0%34%

analysts noted that the PPP had no clear alternative, effectively sidelining Yoon Sang‑hyun and sending his “Yes”

Democratic Party finalizes Park Soo‑hyun’s nomination, positioning her as a strong challenger;

Kim Tae‑heum dips to 3%2%

analysts cite polls showing her double‑digit lead over incumbent Kim Tae‑heum

, Kang Hoon-sik acted as a presidential envoy seeking oil supply agreements in Kazakhstan, Oman, and Saudi Arabia, indicating his focus on national duties rather than

, Kang Hoon-sik acted as a presidential envoy seeking oil supply agreements in Kazakhstan, Oman, and Saudi Arabia, indicating his focus on national duties rather than gubernatorial campaigning.

Democratic Party of Korea announces Park Soo-hyun and Yang Seung-jo as runoff candidates for the Chungcheongnam governor nomination, effectively ending Yoon Sang-hyun's campaign

Yoon Sang-hyun dips to 0%1%

Democratic Party of Korea announces Park Soo-hyun and Yang Seung-jo as runoff candidates for the Chungcheongnam governor nomination, effectively ending Yoon Sang-hyun's campaign prospects

Democratic Party of Korea selects Yang Seung-jo as runoff candidate for Chungnam governor nomination

The party announced Yang Seung-jo and Rep. Park Soo-hyun as runoff candidates for the June 3 gubernatorial election, marking a key moment in the nomination process and impacting market expectations.

The Democratic Party announced a runoff between Park Soo‑hyun and former Governor Yang Seung‑jo for the Chungcheongnam‑do gubernatorial nomination, effectively sidelining Moon

The Democratic Party announced a runoff between Park Soo‑hyun and former Governor Yang Seung‑jo for the Chungcheongnam‑do gubernatorial nomination, effectively sidelining Moon Jin‑seok’s candidacy

Democratic Party announces that the Chungnam gubernatorial primary will go to a runoff between Park Soo‑hyun and former governor Yang Seung‑jo, confirming she remains in the race

Park Soo‑hyun surges to 42%21%

Democratic Party announces that the Chungnam gubernatorial primary will go to a runoff between Park Soo‑hyun and former governor Yang Seung‑jo, confirming she remains in the race and halting the

Seoul Economic Daily announced the PPP’s internal runoff between Park Soo‑hyun and former governor Yang Seung‑jo, confirming that Yoon Sang‑hyun was not among the party’s

Yoon Sang‑hyun dips to 0%1%

Seoul Economic Daily announced the PPP’s internal runoff between Park Soo‑hyun and former governor Yang Seung‑jo, confirming that Yoon Sang‑hyun was not among the party’s frontrunners, which further depressed his market odds

| DPK announces runoff between Park Soo‑hyun and former governor Yang Seung‑jo for the party’s nomination | The formal confirmation of the two final contenders clarified the field

Park Soo‑hyun surges to 91%69%

| DPK announces runoff between Park Soo‑hyun and former governor Yang Seung‑jo for the party’s nomination | The formal confirmation of the two final contenders clarified the field and pushed the market to

Democratic Party formally confirms Rep.

Park Soo‑hyun surges to 53%35%

Park Soo‑hyun as its gubernatorial candidate at a joint speech in Yeouido

People Power Party opens additional nominations;

Kim Tae‑heum drops to 23%5%

Kim Tae‑heum applies for the extra South Chungcheong slot, confirming his candidacy

People Power Party officially confirms Kim Tae‑heum as its sole candidate for South Chungcheong governor, ending speculation but also exposing him to a direct contest with the

Kim Tae‑heum jumps to 30%8%

People Power Party officially confirms Kim Tae‑heum as its sole candidate for South Chungcheong governor, ending speculation but also exposing him to a direct contest with the Democratic nominee

Park Soo‑hyun’s victory is cemented at the party headquarters;

Kang Hoon‑sik plunges to 0%42%

analysts note Kang Hoon‑sik’s campaign has collapsed, driving the

People Power Party confirms Kim Tae‑heum as the sole People Power candidate for governor, ending primary speculation and prompting a sharp market correction as the race becomes a

Kim Tae-heum plunges to 8%28%

People Power Party confirms Kim Tae‑heum as the sole People Power candidate for governor, ending primary speculation and prompting a sharp market correction as the race becomes a two‑person contest

People Power Party opens additional nominations for South Chungcheong;

Kim Tae‑heum plunges to 8%27%

Kim Tae‑heum announces he will apply for the extra nomination, reviving his campaign momentum

The Chungnam Election Commission opened preliminary registration for county‑governor candidates, signalling the start of the formal nomination window and prompting speculation

Moon Jin‑seok rises to 36%4%

The Chungnam Election Commission opened preliminary registration for county‑governor candidates, signalling the start of the formal nomination window and prompting speculation that Moon Jin‑seok would not file

PPP opens additional nominations;

Kim Tae‑heum jumps to 40%5%

Kim Tae‑heum signals he will apply after the Daejeon‑Chungnam integration bill is settled

Yoon Sang‑hyun appeared on a news program criticizing the PPP’s candidate‑selection process, which was interpreted as a possible last‑minute challenge and caused a short‑term rise

Yoon Sang‑hyun jumps to 7%5%

Yoon Sang‑hyun appeared on a news program criticizing the PPP’s candidate‑selection process, which was interpreted as a possible last‑minute challenge and caused a short‑term rise to 7%

PPP heavyweights Oh Se‑hoon and Governor Kim Tae‑heum skip filing for the gubernatorial race, citing the pending Daejeon‑Chungnam integration bill;

Kim Tae‑heum jumps to 35%13%

the move fuels speculation that Kim may withdraw

Final Democratic Party candidate Park Soo-hyun is confirmed for the Chungcheongnam governor race, solidifying the party’s front-runner status and effectively ending Sung Il-jong’s

Sung Il-jong drops to 1%13%

Final Democratic Party candidate Park Soo-hyun is confirmed for the Chungcheongnam governor race, solidifying the party’s front-runner status and effectively ending Sung Il-jong’s viability

Moon Jin‑seok’s legal team files a defamation suit against the newspaper that broke the fundraising story – The lawsuit suggested the allegations might be unfounded, giving the

Moon Jin‑seok jumps to 12%9%

Moon Jin‑seok’s legal team files a defamation suit against the newspaper that broke the fundraising story – The lawsuit suggested the allegations might be unfounded, giving the market a brief rebound.

Kim Tae‑heum and Daejeon Mayor Lee Jang‑woo criticize the Democratic Party’s “bogus” integration bill and call for a bipartisan committee, casting the integration issue as a

Kim Tae‑heum dips to 23%1%

Kim Tae‑heum and Daejeon Mayor Lee Jang‑woo criticize the Democratic Party’s “bogus” integration bill and call for a bipartisan committee, casting the integration issue as a political liability

| Mid‑runoff exit poll shows Park Soo‑hyun slipping behind Yang Seung‑jo | The unexpected dip in internal support caused a sharp sell‑off, reflected in the –28‑point swing on Feb

Park Soo‑hyun plunges to 17%28%

| Mid‑runoff exit poll shows Park Soo‑hyun slipping behind Yang Seung‑jo | The unexpected dip in internal support caused a sharp sell‑off, reflected in the –28‑point swing on Feb 15‑17. |

Moon Jin‑seok is implicated in a scandal over alleged misuse of party funds;

Moon Jin‑seok plunges to 7%30%

prosecutors launch a preliminary investigation

Moon Jin‑seok’s campaign announces a major fundraising scandal involving illegal donations – Allegations of illicit campaign financing caused a dramatic plunge, wiping out most of

Moon Jin‑seok plunges to 3%30%

Moon Jin‑seok’s campaign announces a major fundraising scandal involving illegal donations – Allegations of illicit campaign financing caused a dramatic plunge, wiping out most of his market value.

| DPK runoff voting begins for Chungcheongnam‑do governor;

Park Soo‑hyun jumps to 45%10%

early poll shows Park Soo‑hyun leading | Early internal poll results suggested Park was ahead, driving a bullish swing. |

Opposition lawmakers file a “special bill” to block the Daejeon‑Chungcheong merger, arguing it is a ploy to promote Kang Hoon‑sik;

Kang Hoon‑sik drops to 29%12%

the backlash reduces his perceived viability

Lee Jae‑ho, now the main conservative contender, received a high‑profile endorsement from former governor Ahn Hee‑jung, further marginalising Moon Jin‑seok and pushing his odds

Moon Jin‑seok plunges to 1%37%

Lee Jae‑ho, now the main conservative contender, received a high‑profile endorsement from former governor Ahn Hee‑jung, further marginalising Moon Jin‑seok and pushing his odds down to 1 %

People Power Party opens additional nominations for South Chungcheong;

Kim Tae‑heum confirms he will apply for the extra nomination, signalling his intent to run again

The Democratic Party confirms a runoff between Rep.

Sung Il-jong dips to 22%1%

Park Soo-hyun and former Governor Yang Seung-jo for the party’s nomination, highlighting the emergence of stronger contenders and reducing Sung Il-jong’s chances

Kim Tae‑heum’s campaign holds a high‑visibility rally in Cheonan, emphasizing his record of industrial growth and promising continued investment, which temporarily lifts his

Kim Tae‑heum’s campaign holds a high‑visibility rally in Cheonan, emphasizing his record of industrial growth and promising continued investment, which temporarily lifts his support after a early‑January dip (steady after a +11‑point bounce from Jan 4‑6)

Kim Byung-kee resigns as Democratic Party floor leader amid scandal; Moon Jin-seok appointed acting floor leader

Moon Jin-seok jumps to 39%8%

Moon Jin-seok’s appointment to acting floor leader raised his political stature and market confidence in his gubernatorial prospects.

People Power Party opens additional nominations for Seoul and South Chungcheong;

Kim Tae‑heum rises to 26%3%

Kim Tae‑heum signals he will apply for the extra nomination, hinting at uncertainty about his candidacy

The National Election Commission announces stricter candidate‑eligibility checks;

Moon Jin‑seok rises to 33%4%

Moon Jin‑seok is listed for additional scrutiny, dampening optimism

Democratic Party of Korea's primary process intensifies, with Park Soo-hyun emerging as a strong frontrunner after winning the April 15, 2026 primary, signaling a decline in Yoon

Yoon Sang-hyun surges to 42%40%

Democratic Party of Korea's primary process intensifies, with Park Soo-hyun emerging as a strong frontrunner after winning the April 15, 2026 primary, signaling a decline in Yoon Sang-hyun's chances

Kim Tae‑heum joins a “Pan‑si and Citizens’ Rally Against the Integration of Daejeon and Chungnam,” signalling his opposition to a major regional‑integration proposal and drawing

Kim Tae-heum jumps to 34%13%

Kim Tae‑heum joins a “Pan‑si and Citizens’ Rally Against the Integration of Daejeon and Chungnam,” signalling his opposition to a major regional‑integration proposal and drawing criticism from the Democratic Party

People Power Party holds its first meeting on the Chungnam‑Daejeon merger;

Kim Tae‑heum drops to 26%10%

Kim Tae‑heum’s joint declaration with Daejeon Mayor Lee Jang‑woo is cited as the bill’s origin, prompting speculation about his electoral base

Democratic Party luncheon at the presidential office with President Lee Jae-myung and Moon Jin-seok among attendees

Moon Jin-seok surges to 26%15%

This high-profile event boosted Moon Jin-seok’s visibility and perceived support within the party, leading to a significant

President Lee Jae-myung holds a Town Hall Meeting on the integration of Chungnam and Daejeon, with political speculation rising around candidates like Park Beom-gye and Yang

Sung Il-jong rises to 19%3%

President Lee Jae-myung holds a Town Hall Meeting on the integration of Chungnam and Daejeon, with political speculation rising around candidates like Park Beom-gye and Yang Seung-jo, overshadowing Sung Il-jong’s prospects

, President Lee Jae-myung held a Town Hall Meeting in Cheonan, Chungcheongnam-do, discussing regional integration plans, with Kang Hoon-sik's name mentioned among potential

Kang Hoon-sik jumps to 35%13%

, President Lee Jae-myung held a Town Hall Meeting in Cheonan, Chungcheongnam-do, discussing regional integration plans, with Kang Hoon-sik's name mentioned among potential candidates amid political maneuvering in the province.

President Lee Jae-myung holds a Town Hall Meeting in Cheonan discussing Daejeon-Chungnam integration, mentioning Moon Jin-seok among potential candidates

Moon Jin-seok dips to 11%1%

The event highlighted Moon Jin-seok as a key figure in regional politics but also introduced uncertainty due to integration talks, causing a slight

President Lee Jae‑myung holds a town‑hall meeting on Daejeon‑Chungnam integration, with Governor Kim Tae‑heum publicly supporting the “integration clock” concept, raising doubts

Kim Tae‑heum jumps to 36%5%

President Lee Jae‑myung holds a town‑hall meeting on Daejeon‑Chungnam integration, with Governor Kim Tae‑heum publicly supporting the “integration clock” concept, raising doubts about his standalone appeal

President Lee Jae-myung holds Town Hall Meeting in Cheonan discussing Chungnam-Daejeon integration;

Kang Hoon-sik mentioned among potential candidates

Moon Jin‑seok’s campaign suffered a setback when the Democratic Party confirmed Park Soo‑hyun as its gubernatorial candidate, signaling strong opposition and causing a sharp drop

Moon Jin‑seok plunges to 13%20%

Moon Jin‑seok’s campaign suffered a setback when the Democratic Party confirmed Park Soo‑hyun as its gubernatorial candidate, signaling strong opposition and causing a sharp drop in his odds

Park Soo-hyun states former lawmaker Chung Jin-seok unlikely to run in Gongju, Buyeo, and Cheongyang by-election, asserting his own strong candidacy and downplaying impact of

Park Soo-hyun plunges to 3%45%

Park Soo-hyun states former lawmaker Chung Jin-seok unlikely to run in Gongju, Buyeo, and Cheongyang by-election, asserting his own strong candidacy and downplaying impact of potential rivals

Forty-five members of the People’s Power party, including Sung Il-jong, propose a special bill for the establishment of Daejeon Chungcheongnam-do integration and an economic

Sung Il-jong plunges to 16%33%

Forty-five members of the People’s Power party, including Sung Il-jong, propose a special bill for the establishment of Daejeon Chungcheongnam-do integration and an economic science school, signaling his early political activity and ambitions in the region

Launch of Chungcheongnam Province Governor Election market with Moon Jin-seok as a leading Democratic Party candidate

Moon Jin-seok surges to 48%48%

The market opened with Moon Jin-seok at a high probability, reflecting early optimism about his candidacy based on his political profile and party backing.

Former deputy speaker Chung Jin‑suk (no relation) publicly endorses the DPK’s new candidate, further marginalising Moon Jin‑seok – The endorsement reinforced the market’s

Former deputy speaker Chung Jin‑suk (no relation) publicly endorses the DPK’s new candidate, further marginalising Moon Jin‑seok – The endorsement reinforced the market’s assessment that Moon has no realistic path to victory.

DPK nominates former mayor Kim Jae‑ho as its official candidate for Chungcheongnam‑do governor, sidelining Moon Jin‑seok completely – The final party nomination cemented Moon’s

DPK nominates former mayor Kim Jae‑ho as its official candidate for Chungcheongnam‑do governor, sidelining Moon Jin‑seok completely – The final party nomination cemented Moon’s exclusion, keeping the

Influence‑peddling video of Moon Jin‑seok surfaces, showing him pressuring a senior official for a private‑sector appointment – The scandal (reported by The Korea Times) caused

Moon Jin‑seok plunges to 7%15%

Influence‑peddling video of Moon Jin‑seok surfaces, showing him pressuring a senior official for a private‑sector appointment – The scandal (reported by The Korea Times) caused the biggest single‑day drop in February.

Moon Jin‑seok publicly endorses former governor Kim Tae‑heum for Chungcheongnam‑do governor – The endorsement was interpreted as a retreat from his own run, prompting a sharp

Moon Jin‑seok drops to 22%12%

Moon Jin‑seok publicly endorses former governor Kim Tae‑heum for Chungcheongnam‑do governor – The endorsement was interpreted as a retreat from his own run, prompting a sharp decline.