Over 100 applicants vie for 2 posts in new Jeonnam-Gwangju special city, nearly 50-to-1 odds

More than 100 people have applied for two political deputy mayor posts in the newly established Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City, pushing the competition ratio to nearly 50 to 1 and drawing a mix of anticipation and concern.

More than 100 candidates had submitted applications — either self-nominated or recommended by others — by Wednesday morning, the closing day for the recruitment drive, according to the special city.

The number was expected to climb further before the midnight deadline.

The recruitment process, which opened Friday, allows residents to apply directly or be put forward by others.

Among those who have thrown their hats in the ring or been nominated by acquaintances are former heads of basic local governments, former senior civil servants from Gwangju city and South Jeolla Province, and former Cheong Wa Dae secretaries.

The open recruitment process has drawn praise for departing from the conventional practice of unilateral mayoral appointments, giving citizens a direct say in selecting key administrators.

At the same time, concerns have emerged that some politicians, political organizations and organized support groups are mobilizing nominations and distorting the process. Critics warn it risks devolving into a popularity contest without rigorous vetting.

Mayor Min Hyeong-bae introduced the citizen-recommendation system with the stated aim of selecting deputy mayors through public participation.

The two posts cover distinct policy areas: one deputy mayor will oversee industry, employment, the economy, labor and advanced strategic industries, while the other will handle civic sovereignty, youth and population policy, health and welfare, and gender equality. At least one of the two must be a woman.

After nominations close through the Ministry of Personnel Management's personnel system, a Civic Sovereignty Committee formed by the special city will review candidates and narrow the field to five per post. The shortlist then goes through a jury-based eligibility review and a citizen-voter panel vote, ultimately producing two to three finalists per position.

The Civic Sovereignty Committee will comprise 11 members drawn from the former South Jeolla Province and Gwangju city personnel and examination-selection committees, and will select five deputy mayor candidates in each policy area.