[Asia Times Yeongnam Bureau — Reporter Gu Jin-hong] Choi Hae-gon, the People Power Party nominee for Pohang City Council’s Ja electoral district (Yeonil·Yugang·Sangdae·Daesong), 2-Na, held a campaign office opening on the afternoon of May 9 and formally launched his bid for re-election. Roughly 400 local leaders and supporters attended, signaling his move into the main phase of the local election campaign.
Choi said, “Based on my experience in the council, I will prioritize projects that directly affect residents’ daily lives to resolve local issues. I will focus on connecting problems identified on the ground to administrative action and budgetary support.”
The event drew regional political figures and residents, creating a campaign-launch atmosphere. Attendees voiced support for improving local infrastructure and restoring urban functions across Yeonil·Yugang·Sangdae·Daesong, and expressed expectation that the campaign will address those issues.
In the platform he unveiled, Choi highlighted an environmental improvement project for bus stops in Sangdae-dong and plans to rebuild the aging lifelong learning center. He also proposed repealing the Cheongsimdeul agricultural promotion zone designation in Yeonil-eup and creating buffer green belts between semi-industrial and residential areas to improve living conditions.
On Daesong-myeon, he called for expanding the city gas network and for attracting an eco-village. He also pledged to continue pushing for the long-standing road construction project between Daesong and Cheonbuk.
“Each area has different living environments and needs,” Choi said. “Expanding practical services and infrastructure that residents can feel is crucial.” He added, “Securing budgets and advancing projects matter more than slogans,” noting that his city council experience has familiarized him with administrative procedures and policy implementation.
During his first term, Choi conducted regular on-site visits to address residents’ complaints and worked on improving basic local infrastructure. Observers say he has consistently raised concerns about road and living-environment issues in the Yeonil·Yugang area and advocated for residential infrastructure improvements in Daesong.
Pohang City’s Ja electoral district encompasses urban, rural and industrial zones, which creates simultaneous challenges in transportation, housing and the environment. Recently, urban regeneration, expansion of community infrastructure, and retaining resident populations have emerged as central election issues.
With the June 3 local elections approaching, candidates are expected to compete with locally tailored platforms. As demands for urban expansion in Yeonil·Yugang intersect with calls for infrastructure improvements in Sangdae·Daesong, the ability to deliver tangible, resident-focused policies will be a decisive factor.
Following the office opening, Choi plans to concentrate on voter outreach and on-the-ground campaigning. As local councils increasingly move beyond handling constituent complaints to shaping a region’s future, this election will test the practical effectiveness of grassroots politics and the capacity to implement policy.
