Rep. Park Chan-dae of the Democratic Party of Korea effectively declared his candidacy for Incheon mayor at a book launch event held at his alma mater, Inha University, on Monday.
"I will give everything for Incheon, the city that raised me," Park said while introducing his book "Incheon's Power, G3 Korea."
"There is fear and concern, but I believe I can do it," he added. "I will transcend the existing order and walk the path of innovation and reform."
The event drew prominent party figures including Democratic Party Chairman Jeong Cheong-rae, former Incheon Mayor Park Nam-chun, and Rep. Kim Gyo-heung.
Park outlined key strategies to support the stable launch of the Lee Jae-myung administration, including establishing logistics and physical AI special zones in Incheon, founding the Incheon Bio Science and Technology Institute, developing the city as a K-culture outpost, and achieving energy independence through offshore wind power.
"Incheon started as a small port city and has grown to a city of 3 million over the past century, but now it must achieve a major transformation to leap to the next level," Park said. "If we trust the people and Incheon citizens who overcame the insurrection and move forward steadily, we can surely accomplish this."
Born in Incheon, Park is a former certified public accountant who first won election in 2016 by just 214 votes in Incheon's Yeonsu District, a constituency where the Democratic Party had never previously won. He has since been reelected three consecutive times.
Known as a close ally of President Lee Jae-myung during Lee's tenure as party chairman, Park has served as the party's floor spokesperson and supreme council member. He led floor strategy as floor leader during critical moments including the December 3 martial law crisis and the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol.
Party Chairman Jeong shared his reflections on the event via Facebook. "I attended the book launch of my comrade and friend, Rep. Park Chan-dae," Jeong wrote. "I reflect again on the camaraderie forged while crossing the line of fire during the December 3 martial law insurrection. I think of the countless events Lee Jae-myung, Park Chan-dae, and Jeong Cheong-rae experienced together, the conversations we shared, and the moments of political decision."