Will AI Expert Ha Jung-woo Join the Race? Key Insights on the Democratic Party’s Strategy for Busan’s By-Election

South Korea’s Democratic Party has reiterated its intent to recruit Ha Jung‑woo, the Blue House’s senior presidential secretary for AI future planning, amid speculation he may run in a by‑election in Busan’s Buk‑gap district. Party leader Jeong Cheong‑rae plans to meet Ha in person this week to ask him to run.

At a press briefing on the 12th, the party’s strategy planning chair, Lee Yeon‑hee, said the secretary‑general and senior lawmakers have already met with Ha, and that Party leader Jeong Cheong‑rae will also meet him this week to request his candidacy.

Lee said Ha initially declined but became more receptive during subsequent contacts, and she expects he could make a significant decision if the party leader asks.

Secretary‑General Jo Seung‑rae said the situation has advanced compared with earlier stages, but added that additional effort is needed to clear the remaining hurdles.

Jo described Ha as a talent who could symbolize the future of both South Korea and Busan, and emphasized that the party is pursuing his recruitment because it judges him the best candidate to succeed Rep. Jeon Jae‑su.

Asked about rumors that former People Power Party leader Han Dong‑hoon might run in Busan’s Buk‑gap district, Jo sought to downplay it, saying who the opposition nominates or whether Han runs as an independent is not a central concern. Variables beyond the party’s control are not decisive; the party still regards Ha as the most suitable successor to Rep. Jeon Jae‑su (Busan’s Buk‑gap).

Earlier, the president and Party leader Jeong exchanged barbed remarks over Ha’s possible candidacy. On the 9th, the president obliquely referenced the idea of Ha running in Busan’s Buk‑gap district, saying, “HaGPT” (Ha’s nickname) “has been the subject of a lot of talk lately. You can’t just let people say he’s stepping in to do work and have it pass.” Ha replied, “Yes, I’ll concentrate on my duties.”

That same day, Jeong told reporters that because the president joked about not yielding to the party’s request, “I’ll joke too,” and he again urged Ha to run, calling him a talent the party needs.