Former Cheong Wa Dae officials from the Lee Jae-myung administration saw mixed results in the June 3 local and by-elections. Woo Sang-ho secured the Gangwon governorship, while others like Ha Jung-woo and Kim Byung-wook faced defeat.
Independent candidate Han Dong-hoon criticized Democratic Party candidate Ha Jung-woo for not actively addressing suspicions and unfavorable political issues, questioning his reasons for running in the election.
Busan mayoral candidate Park Hyung-joon criticized Democratic Party candidates Jeon Jae-soo and Ha Jung-woo, accusing them of using 'frame politics' instead of rational debate and truth.
Ha Jung-woo, senior presidential secretary for AI policy and future planning, resigned to run in a National Assembly by-election alongside June 3 local elections. The Democratic Party of Korea pushed for his candidacy despite his lack of political experience and the critical nature of his role in implementing President Lee Jae Myung's ambitious AI strategy to invest 100 trillion won by 2030. The resignation has drawn criticism that party interests are overtaking national priorities at a crucial time for South Korea's AI development.
Former presidential secretary for AI policy Ha Jung-woo has declared his candidacy for Busan's Buk-A constituency in the June 3 by-election, creating a potential three-way race against former PPP leader Hang Dong-hoon and PPP lawmaker Park Min-shik. A recent poll shows Ha leading with 35.5%, followed by Han at 28.5% and Park at 26%. The Buk-A constituency is a traditional conservative stronghold that was one of the few districts won by the ruling Democratic Party in the last general elections.
Netflix announces casting for 'The Generals,' a political film about late former Presidents Roh Tae-woo and Chun Doo-hwan. Son Suk-ku will play Roh, while Ha Jung-woo portrays Chun. Director Yoon Jong-bin known for revisiting modern Korean history helms the project, also starring Ji Chang-wook and Hyun Bong-sik.
