DP picks ex-presidential AI chief, spokesperson as candidates in June by-elections

DP picks ex-presidential AI chief, spokesperson as candidates in June by-elections

https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260430011600315

Publish Date: 2026-04-30 04:17:00

Source Domain: en.yna.co.kr

Here are the key points from the article, listed in an unordered format:

– The ruling Democratic Party (DP) has nominated two former senior presidential officials for the upcoming parliamentary by-elections occurring along with local elections.
– Ha Jung-woo, former presidential secretary for AI policy and future planning, is nominated to run for a parliamentary seat in the Buk-A constituency in Busan. His nomination is seen as an attempt to succeed the constituency of former lawmaker Chun Jae-soo.
– The Buk-A constituency is anticipated to have a three-way race between Ha Jung-woo, Han Dong-hoon (former head of the main opposition), and a potential PPP candidate, possibly former Veterans Minister Park Min-shik.
– President Lee Jae Myung nicknamed Ha Jung-woo “Ha-GPT,” a playful reference to his expertise in AI, suggesting expectations for advancing AI-related legislation in the National Assembly if elected.
– The Democratic Party also nominated Jeon Eun-soo, former presidential spokesperson, to contest the Asan constituency in South Chungcheong Province.
– A total of fourteen parliamentary seats are available in the by-elections which will also coincide with the local elections.
– These by-elections could act as the first significant indicator of public support for the Lee administration since its inception in June of the previous year.