Shin Gye-yong, mayor of Gwacheon in Gyeonggi Province, announced on the 30th that he will seek another term as mayor in the 9th nationwide local elections.
He said he will run as the People Power Party’s candidate for re-election and pledged to complete the major projects launched during his eighth term.
The 9th nationwide local elections are scheduled for June 3. Candidate registration will take place May 14–15, with early voting on May 29–30.
After returning to the mayor’s office following the 2022 local elections, Shin highlighted several local accomplishments: securing a site for the Gwacheon sewage treatment plant; advancing the GTX-C rail line; establishing a new Gwacheon Information Town Station; confirming the site for a standalone middle school in the Gwacheon Knowledge Information Town; and obtaining funds to place transmission towers underground. In announcing his campaign, he emphasized continuity and his track record of finishing projects.
Gwacheon has recently posted strong results in financial and administrative evaluations. The city received the President’s Award as the nationwide No. 1 in the integrated financial management category at the 18th Korea Local Finance Awards in 2025. It was also named an outstanding organization at the 15th Local Government Productivity Awards, earning the Minister of the Interior and Safety Award. In the 30th Korea Local Autonomy Competitiveness Index (KLCI) analysis in 2025, Gwacheon ranked first nationwide in management performance for the second consecutive year.
Shin cited the need for sustained urban growth and the completion of ongoing development projects as the reason for his candidacy. With the Knowledge Information Town development, expanded transportation infrastructure, and increased housing supply rapidly reshaping Gwacheon, he said administrative continuity and strong capacity to address issues are crucial.
“What Gwacheon needs now are completed outcomes, not new promises,” Shin said. “I will take full responsibility to ensure the projects we started with residents are carried through to completion without interruption.” He added, “I will build the infrastructure for sustainable urban growth and shape a forward-looking city where housing, jobs, and everyday leisure exist in balance.”
Gwacheon — Kim Dong-seong
