Park Maeng-woo, former mayor of Ulsan, has officially declared his independent candidacy for the upcoming June 3 local elections. At a press conference held at the Ulsan City Council Press Center on Wednesday, Park announced his full-scale entry into the race, saying, "I will throw myself entirely into reviving Ulsan in crisis and rebuilding healthy conservatism."
In his candidacy declaration, Park shared his thoughts on leaving the party he had belonged to throughout his career to run as an independent. "I had mixed emotions when I left the party, but it was an unavoidable choice to save Ulsan in crisis and pursue a better future for conservatism," he explained. He added, "Citizens disappointed by both major parties — No. 1 and No. 2 — are welcoming 'Park Maeng-woo' as a new option," expressing confidence that "this election will be one where people vote for the person, not the party, and I am certain of victory."
He particularly emphasized rebuilding "healthy conservatism" after the election. "Not a repeat of Yoon, but a conservatism that knows how to fight, a conservatism of dignity and competence — that is the future we must pursue," Park said, expressing his resolve to lead change within the conservative camp.
As his top priority if elected, Park named "eradicating the dysfunction of the current city administration." He sharply criticized cronies' manipulation of city governance, personnel affairs and vested interests, and pledged a comprehensive review of existing projects and policies that have inconvenienced citizens. Specific targets for review include city bus routes, the skywalk next to Taehwaru Pavilion, construction of a world-class concert hall, the Hakseong Park waterway restoration project and the monorail project.
Park also laid out his vision for the future economy and social unity. "Immediately upon taking office as mayor, I will establish the 'Ulsan Economic Promotion Expanded Council' as a public-private governance body," he pledged. Through this body, he plans to formulate strategies for Ulsan's industrial transformation in the AI era and address key future agendas including strengthening core industries, youth employment and population decline. He added, "Throughout my term, I will resolve conflicts between ruling and opposition parties, regions, generations and professional groups, and pursue policies for great civic reconciliation."
Park concluded by appealing for support, saying, "I have cherished and guarded every blade of grass and every stone in Ulsan as if it were my faith. I will look only to Ulsan and its citizens. Please become witnesses to the miracle of Ulsan standing tall again in June."