Baek Young-hyun, the People Power Party's mayor-elect of Pocheon, won re-election and pledged responsible governance for citizen unity and the city's development.
According to the National Election Commission's vote count, Baek secured 53.32% of the vote with 99.95% of ballots counted as of 3:30 a.m. Wednesday, defeating Park Yoon-kook of the Democratic Party of Korea, who received 45.25%.
"Today's honor is by no means an individual achievement, but a victory for all citizens who came together to build a growing future for Pocheon," Baek said in his acceptance speech. "I will devote all my capabilities to greater growth and a stronger Pocheon."
Baek first expressed deep gratitude to citizens who showed faith and support during the campaign. He also thanked merchants who endured noise and inconvenience during the campaign period, as well as sanitation workers, members of the model drivers' association, police officers, and election commission officials who worked to create a clean and safe election environment.
"This election was able to conclude as a beautiful democratic process thanks to the dedication of campaign workers, volunteers, and families," Baek said, attributing the victory to their efforts. He also expressed gratitude and respect to his rival candidates, asking them to "join in pooling wisdom as partners for Pocheon's development rather than as competitors going forward."
"The election is over, but a new start for the citizens has begun," Baek emphasized. "I will carefully listen to the voices of citizens who supported me as well as those who made different choices."
"I will open a stronger future for Pocheon through harmony and integration, not conflict and division," he said. "I will engrave tomorrow's responsibility in my heart more heavily than today's joy, and stay alongside the citizens without losing my original commitment."
"I will be a mayor who repays citizens through action rather than words for their happiness and Pocheon's development," he pledged. "Together with the citizens, I will vigorously open the future of 'greater growth, stronger Pocheon.'"
