Shin Sang-jin, the People Power Party candidate for Seongnam mayor, won re-election in the 9th nationwide local elections after narrowly defeating Kim Byung-wook of the Democratic Party of Korea, one of the original seven members of the "pro-Myung" (pro-Lee Jae-myung) faction.
Shin issued a statement Wednesday morning after his victory was confirmed, saying, "This victory is a great victory for the citizens of Seongnam," expressing his strong commitment to running the 9th popularly elected municipal administration.
Vote counting that continued from the previous evening through early Wednesday morning showed Shin performing strongly despite expectations that the ruling Democratic Party would prevail, securing his role in leading the 9th popularly elected administration following his 8th-term tenure.
The Seongnam mayoral election drew nationwide attention as the first nationwide-scale election held since the launch of the new government, and because it took place in Seongnam, the political hometown of President Lee Jae-myung.
"We fought this election under difficult conditions, with the opposing candidate's unjust political offensives crossing the line," Shin said. "Nevertheless, I deeply thank the citizens who trusted and chose the sincerity of Shin Sang-jin."
He added, "The result of this election is a stern command from the citizens not to return to a past marked by corruption and various irregularities, but to continue the achievements of the 8th popularly elected administration into the 9th. I will solemnly uphold the will of the citizens."
Shin also presented a concrete blueprint for his future administration. "Seongnam is a city with sufficient potential to grow into a world-class advanced science city," he said. "As soon as I return to mayoral duties, I will carry out major policy tasks, including the reconstruction and redevelopment of Bundang and the original downtown area, without setbacks and with a heavy sense of responsibility."
His re-election is expected to give momentum to major pending issues by securing continuity and stability in city administration. Analysts say the urban renewal projects and future industry promotion policies pursued during the 8th-term administration have laid the foundation for tangible results in the 9th term.
A medical doctor by profession, Shin has built a long-standing political foothold in Seongnam as a four-term National Assembly member, and his successful re-election further strengthens his political standing.
Meanwhile, Shin's campaign will hold a disbandment ceremony Wednesday afternoon at his election office inside the Yatap Station Bus Terminal in Bundang District, Seongnam, to wrap up the campaign.
