Suwon Mayor Lee Jae-jun has officially announced his bid for reelection in the upcoming 9th local government term.
At a press conference held at Hwaseong Haenggung Palace Square in Suwon on Thursday afternoon, Lee declared, "I am running for reelection as Suwon mayor to complete the great transformation of Suwon."
In his declaration, Lee emphasized the achievements of his administration over the past four years and stressed the need for continuity. "Only someone who has fulfilled their responsibilities to the end can speak of progress and completion," he said. "I, Lee Jae-jun, who best understands the seeds that were planted, will take responsibility and ensure they bear fruit."
Lee positioned "practicality" and "results" as core values in his candidacy announcement. "Local government administration should be evaluated not by political affiliation but by competence," he said, adding that "a policy implementation rate of 93.7% proves this." He cited key accomplishments including the confirmed establishment of Guun Station, designation as an R&D Science Park, easing of height restrictions around Hwaseong Fortress walls, and designation of the Yeonghwa District as an urban regeneration innovation zone.
"I will lead the city administration with hands-on experience in resolving long-delayed projects that had been stalled for decades," Lee said.
Measures to address the livelihood economy were also presented as a major message. Referring to the Middle East energy crisis and the high-inflation, high-interest rate environment, Lee assessed that "local governments cannot sit idly by." He pledged to "focus on 'financial planning administration' that reduces citizens' fixed expenses," presenting policies including expansion of half-price living costs in three major areas—transportation, education, and healthcare—introduction of free Suwon tour buses, and early completion of GTX-C and Shinbundang Line extensions.
Lee also outlined plans to strengthen community-based welfare systems through expansion of the Saebit Care program covering health, medical, and long-term care services, as well as expansion of child family care allowances. "I will implement practical administration that enriches people's lives," he emphasized.
For Suwon's future vision, Lee presented goals of becoming a "global tourism capital" and an "advanced science research city." Stating that "tourism is industry, and industry is livelihood," he pledged to pursue the industrialization of tourism centered around the Hwaseong Haenggung Palace area. He also unveiled plans to complete a self-sustaining economic structure by creating an advanced science research hub combining semiconductor, artificial intelligence (AI), and bio companies with research functions.
Additionally, Lee pledged to realize a "basic society of life innovation" through AI-based safety networks, supply of 5,000 units of public housing called "Saebit House," expansion of neighborhood parking facilities, and strengthening of integrated care services.
"The 1.25 million people of Suwon are not subjects for experimentation," Lee emphasized. "Only someone who turns promises into results with proven capability can protect citizens' daily lives." He appealed for support, saying, "Please make full use of 'problem-solver Lee Jae-jun' for the sake of citizens' lives."
Meanwhile, Lee's camp stated regarding the timing of his administrative leave and candidate registration, "We plan to proceed after the Democratic Party of Korea primary results are announced, considering the legal deadline," adding that "the policy is to minimize administrative gaps and handle pending issues to the end."