▲Yuk Dong-han, mayor of Chuncheon, holds a press conference on April 3 announcing his bid for re-election. Photo by Esther Park
Chuncheon — Esther Park, Energy Economy News: Chuncheon Mayor Yuk Dong-han has officially launched a bid for a second term, setting the stage for a contested Democratic Party primary for the mayoralty.
On April 2, Yuk said, “Now is the time to translate the changes we’ve built into concrete improvements in citizens’ lives,” and pledged, “I will carry the changes we started through to completion.”
He described the past four years as “a period of laying the groundwork for Chuncheon’s future,” and stressed that major projects — including the Corporate Innovation Park, urban regeneration innovation districts, and station-area redevelopment — have moved into active implementation.
Yuk said the designation of a national advanced strategic bio-industrial zone and the establishment of an R&D special zone have created a foundation for high-tech industries. He added that transport projects such as the GTX-B extension, the Second Gyeongchun National Road, and the Seomyeon Bridge have become central drivers of the city’s growth.
He outlined five strategic priorities for his next term: completing industrial and job-creation initiatives; building Chuncheon into an AI innovation city; transforming transportation and urban space; strengthening integrated care; and advancing education to position Chuncheon globally.
Promising to “make Chuncheon a leading AI innovation city in South Korea,” Yuk proposed creating the country’s first municipal AI task force and promoting AI adoption across industries as centerpiece pledges.
He also announced plans to develop an advanced convergence industrial cluster that combines AI, data and quantum technologies with the bio sector, and to build a job-rich environment aimed at retaining young residents.
On transportation, Yuk said completing the GTX-B extension, the Chuncheon–Sokcho high-speed rail, and the Second Gyeongchun National Road would markedly improve access to the Seoul metropolitan area.
On welfare, he said, “Chuncheon is already a national model for integrated care,” and promised to complete a lifelong welfare system that links medical services, caregiving and education.
In his speech, Yuk referenced Go 9-dan Lee Sedol’s 78th move, saying, “Now is the time for the decisive move that will complete the board.”
He added, “Chuncheon has moved beyond an era of missed opportunities and has laid the groundwork for a rebound. We cannot afford to slip back into stagnation.” He appealed for support, saying, “As an effective and compassionate mayor, I will be a constructive force for our citizens.”
The Democratic Party primary for Chuncheon mayor currently pits incumbent Yuk against former mayor Lee Jae-su, former provincial assembly member Heo So-young, prospective candidate Won Sun-hee, and others.
Recently, challengers Lee, Heo and Won held a joint press conference to demand primary debates, intensifying pressure on the incumbent and heightening intra-party tensions.
A central unresolved issue in the primary is whether to hold candidate debates. The challengers have pushed for debates, while Mayor Yuk has been cautious, saying he needs to remain focused on governing.
Yuk said he will register as an official prospective candidate on April 4 and begin preparing in earnest for the primary.
Esther Park, reporter ess003@ekn.kr
