Former Goyang Mayor Lee Jae-jun has declared his support for Choi Seung-won, a preliminary candidate for Goyang mayor. Following the earlier joining of former preliminary candidate Choi Sang-bong, the addition of Lee, who led the city administration during the 7th popularly elected term, is boosting momentum for Choi Seung-won's camp.
Lee recently visited Choi's campaign office to formally express his endorsement. "Preliminary candidate Choi Seung-won is a partner who has been working alongside us on the ground to address the governing philosophy of the 7th popularly elected administration," Lee said. "He is the right person to tackle Goyang's challenges."
Lee added, "Goyang needs young and capable leadership that will not rest on past achievements but drive even greater innovation." He continued, "I will lend my support so that candidate Choi can uphold Goyang's pride and complete an administration where citizens are the true owners."
The alliance holds significance in rallying the support base from the 7th popularly elected term. Lee was the figure who spearheaded climate crisis response, the Peace Economy Special City initiative, and balanced development during that period. Choi has expressed his intent to carry forward Lee's policy vision, including the four platform banks, the Tongillo Line extension, and the relocation of the Jichuk rail depot.
Choi has designated the transportation innovation plan pursued by Lee as his top priority. In particular, he has pledged to complete the Tongillo Line extension project — a roughly 16-kilometer route from Samsong Station to Geumchon Station — which currently remains under review in the 4th National Railway Network Construction Plan.
Choi will also carry on Lee's strategic vision of relocating the Jichuk rail depot to an outer area and channeling the resulting relocation proceeds into funding the Tongillo Line construction.
Local observers note that with Lee joining after former preliminary candidate Choi Sang-bong, a unified "one team" structure has taken shape around candidate Choi Seung-won's camp. Analysts say this has secured him a favorable position heading into the primary.
"I will not simply inherit the governing philosophy of the 7th popularly elected administration but upgrade it to meet the demands of the times, proving 'Lee Jae-jun's innovation' as 'Choi Seung-won's completion,'" Choi said.
