Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Park Chan-dae officially announced his candidacy for Incheon mayor at a press conference at Incheon City Hall on Monday. Born in Yonghyeon-dong and rising from accountant to three-term National Assembly member, he now seeks to lead the metropolitan government.
Park's ties to Incheon span 60 years. Born in Yonghyeon-dong in 1965, he completed elementary, middle, and high school in the city. After graduating from Inha University, he pursued accounting, working at Samil PricewaterhouseCoopers and the Financial Supervisory Service. He later served 12 years as head of Hanmi Accounting Corporation's Gyeongin headquarters, expanding his footprint in Incheon's business community.
He entered politics in 2016, winning three consecutive elections in Yeonsu-gu—once considered barren ground for the Democratic Party. He rose to floor leader and acting party chairman.
"I wouldn't have entered politics if not for Incheon"
"Running for Incheon mayor has been a longtime dream," Park said. "I was born here, grew up here, studied here, got married here, raised my children here, and built my political career here. I've never considered anywhere else."
He revealed what prompted his decision: "The president asked me what I wanted to do after the presidential election. I've been nurturing this thought ever since."
His assessment of incumbent Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok was blunt. "Two terms as district head, three terms as assemblyman, two cabinet positions, two terms as metropolitan mayor—he's a formidable opponent in any election," Park acknowledged. However, he identified a weakness: "As a career bureaucrat, he lacks agility."
Park offered mixed reviews of Yoo's policies. "The 100 Million Dream program and 1,000-won housing were bold initiatives for a conservative politician," he said, but added, "F1 and New Hong Kong City are unlikely to deliver results."
Four strategic industries and ties to President Lee
Park pledged to develop four strategic industries: biotechnology, artificial intelligence, cultural content, and energy. "Incheon already has the world's largest bio-production cluster," he said. "I will establish a bio-science research institute here, modeled after Boston."
He also addressed employment challenges. "Half the population commutes to Seoul or Gyeonggi Province," he noted. "I will create quality jobs close to where people live."
Park prominently highlighted his relationship with President Lee Jae-myung. "Through the narrative of overcoming insurrection, a president was born from Incheon," he declared. "Incheon citizens hold a political debt from President Lee. I will assert that claim with confidence."
Responding to criticism about his lack of administrative experience, Park said: "I rigorously worked with numbers at Samil PwC and the Financial Supervisory Service. When private-sector sensibility meets political experience, creative governance becomes possible."
