[Herald Economy senior reporter Park Jong-il] Jin Gyo-hoon, the Democratic Party candidate for Gangseo District mayor, opened his campaign office in Hwagok-dong on May 9. At the ceremony he reviewed key achievements from his previous term and unveiled his "3 future visions and 50 tasks," reaffirming his determination to win.The opening drew a large crowd. Attendees included Democratic Party floor leader Han Byung-do; Han Jeong-ae, lawmaker for Gangseo B and co-chair of Jin’s campaign committee; Jin Seong-jun, lawmaker for Gangseo E; former Gangseo District Mayor Noh Hyun-song; current and former city and district council members; party members; and local residents.
Video messages wishing him success came from party leader Jeong Cheong-rae and lawmakers Cho Jeong-sik, Park Ji-won, Kim Tae-nyeon, Lee Sang-sik, and Seoul mayoral candidate Jeong Won-o.
Actor Kim Seong-hwan, who serves as Jin’s campaign fundraising chair, Chu Ga-yeol, former chairman of the Korea Music Copyright Association, and Park Jong-beom, president of the World Korean Economic and Trade Association, also offered support via recorded messages.
In his remarks, Jin said, “If the 2023 special election reflected voters’ judgment, this election will be about holding accountable the forces still chanting ‘Yoon Again.’” He added, “We need an overwhelming victory to back President Lee Jae-myung’s efforts to steady the country and overcome current crises, and to secure stable governance by the ruling party,” and he appealed for voters’ support.
Jin reviewed his administration’s record over the past 2 years and 6 months since the special election. He highlighted achievements including ▷confirming the possibility of early easing of Gimpo Airport altitude restrictions after a visit to ICAO headquarters in Canada ▷securing approval of a preliminary feasibility study to relocate the firefighting vehicle base and equipment yard ▷breaking ground on the Daejang–Hongdae line and regaining momentum to revive the Gangbuk Transverse Line ▷co-hosting the Korea Business Expo—the first time a basic local government has done so ▷designating a planned site for a public housing-complex project near Gukhoe-daero and accelerating redevelopment and reconstruction projects.
Jin then laid out 3 future visions for a “bigger Gangseo”: ▷build South Korea’s leading innovation-economy city by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced industrial technologies ▷complete balanced growth so Magok and the old city center thrive together ▷create a secure welfare city that cares for residents from cradle to grave, ensuring safety and well-being for all generations in Gangseo.
He appealed directly to voters: “As deputy commissioner of the National Police Agency, I led a 140,000-member organization. I will bring that administrative experience and proven drive to the development of Gangseo. There is no time for trial and error—Lee Jae-myung chose and entrusted me because I deliver. Give me the chance to complete the projects I started.”
In a video, party leader Jeong Cheong-rae said, “This is a prime opportunity to complete the people-centered government’s agenda and accelerate regional development. These local elections should restore national normalcy and create effective local governments; central and local authorities must operate together like the wheels of a cart.”
Floor leader Han Byung-do said, “When Jin ran in the special election, I found him to be honest and precisely the talent Gangseo needs. Even during the party’s difficult times, Jin’s role has been a great help.” He added, “I hope today’s event becomes a meaningful opportunity to hear Gangseo residents’ concerns and consider a better path forward together.”
Former District Mayor Noh Hyun-song explained his strong support: “I back Jin Gyo-hoon because he combines good character, proven administrative ability, and strong drive. After 33 years in public service, he has been thoroughly vetted and is the right person to guide Gangseo’s future with stability.”
Lawmaker Han Jeong-ae said, “Jin Gyo-hoon was the person Lee Jae-myung selected. Now we await the decision of Gangseo residents.” She praised Jin’s leadership, noting he has shown residents a trustworthy administration even in a short time.
Lawmaker Jin Seong-jun said, “Jin Gyo-hoon has already demonstrated strong administrative results and driving force; I am confident he will win this election.” He urged Jin to transform Gangseo into a hub for urban air mobility and advanced industries and to elevate the entire district’s competitiveness to Magok’s level.In a video, Seoul mayoral candidate Jeong Won-o said, “Gangseo, a core area in southwest Seoul, is changing rapidly. The key is turning that pace of change into tangible improvements in residents’ lives. With Jin’s execution and sense of responsibility, I trust he will lead Gangseo’s steady transformation.”
