On March 2, 2026, the usually tranquil campus of Jeju Halla University is set to become the stage for a political showdown that few saw coming. In a striking turn of events, two of the Democratic Party’s most prominent figures in Jeju—National Assembly member Wi Seong-gon and incumbent Governor Oh Young-hoon—will each host publication celebrations for their respective books, just thirty minutes apart and in venues a stone’s throw from one another. The timing, place, and political implications have ignited a wave of speculation and tension, setting the tone for what promises to be a fiercely contested local election season.
According to multiple local news outlets, Wi Seong-gon will kick off his event at 3 PM in the Halla Art Hall, unveiling his book Jeju Future Vision: AI Transforming Jeju AX Great Transition. The book, carefully crafted over his three terms in the National Assembly, lays out a sweeping vision for Jeju’s future—a future powered by artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and a bold reimagining of the island’s economic foundations. In Wi’s words, "As a three-term lawmaker, I have diagnosed Jeju society and deeply explored how the Lee Jae-myung administration’s core policy of AI can be implemented here."
But just as Wi’s event gets underway, Governor Oh Young-hoon will be preparing to take the stage at the nearby Halla Convention Center at 3:30 PM, presenting his own set of essays and vision for Jeju. The proximity in both time and location is no coincidence, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed. What was meant to be a celebration of ideas has quickly become a public test of political strength—and, for some, a question of etiquette.
Wi Seong-gon has not minced words about his disappointment. In a statement echoed across several publications, he said, "Personally, as a friend and someone who respects Governor Oh Young-hoon, I felt considerable disappointment upon hearing that he would hold his event on the same day, at a similar place and time." He continued, "While policy competition is necessary and desirable, proceeding with such a show of strength without the minimum courtesy or coordination is behavior that goes beyond the bounds of human decency." The lawmaker’s frustration is palpable, and he’s not alone in feeling the tension rising.
Governor Oh’s camp, for its part, insists the overlap was never intentional. According to their spokesperson, the governor originally planned to hold his event in early February, but scheduling delays and a looming publication event ban—set to begin on March 5, ninety days before the June 3 local elections—left few options. "It was extremely difficult to secure a venue before the ban," Oh’s side explained, as reported by BBS News. The defense is practical, but for many observers, the optics remain problematic.
The stakes are high, and the context is inescapable: both Wi and Oh are not just colleagues but longtime friends from Seogwipo, sharing roots at Seogwipo High School and Jeju National University, as well as a history of political camaraderie. Yet, as the June 3 local elections approach, they find themselves on opposite sides of an increasingly public rivalry for the Democratic Party’s gubernatorial nomination. As one local outlet put it, “They have long been political comrades, but this time, they cannot back down from the contest for the party’s nomination.”
Wi’s book, Jeju Future Vision: AI Transforming Jeju AX Great Transition, is more than a campaign document. Structured in five chapters, it begins with a diagnosis of Jeju’s “complex crises”—from economic stagnation to the challenges of renewable energy output control. It then charts a path forward: an “AX transformation” powered by AI, the establishment of JIST (Jeju Institute of Science and Technology) to attract talent and restructure industry, and a vision for inclusive prosperity where “everyone shares in AI, sunlight, and wind income.” Wi has repeatedly stressed, “In the era of AI, Jeju can no longer remain a tourism-dependent economy. We need a strategy that combines energy, data, and talent to drive the AX transition.”
The event itself reflects this forward-looking spirit. It will feature congratulatory speeches from senior and fellow lawmakers, a panel discussion in a talk concert format, and a Q&A session with attendees. Before the main program, Wi will host a book signing starting at 2 PM, inviting residents to engage directly with his ideas. "Having prepared this with utmost sincerity, I hope to share my vision for Jeju’s future with all residents who resonate with it," Wi said, extending an open invitation to the community.
Meanwhile, Oh Young-hoon’s event will highlight his own policy perspectives and personal essays, with supporters and party members expected to turn out in force. The back-to-back scheduling has set the stage for what many call a “showdown of support”—a rare, if not unprecedented, spectacle in Jeju’s political history. Local media predict that the events will attract not just ordinary residents but also a who’s who of Jeju’s political and civic circles, all eager to gauge the momentum behind each candidate.
For political observers, the simultaneous events are more than a mere scheduling conflict. They mark the overt start of a leadership contest that will shape Jeju’s future at a critical juncture. As Gukje News noted, “Observers see the scheduling conflict not just as an event issue, but as the signal flare for the upcoming leadership competition in Jeju.” The question now is whether the rivalry will remain a contest of ideas—or devolve into a bitter battle of personalities.
Despite the tension, both camps have tried to keep the focus on policy. Wi has emphasized the need for “healthy policy competition,” while Oh’s team insists their intentions were never to provoke. Still, the underlying currents are hard to ignore. With the local election less than four months away, every move is being scrutinized for signs of strength, strategy, and support.
As the island braces for March 2, all eyes are on Jeju Halla University. Will the day be remembered as a turning point for Jeju’s future—or as a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of political ambition? For now, one thing is clear: the competition for Jeju’s top job has officially begun, and the stakes have never been higher.