"I will put down deep roots in Hanam and pour out all my passion"

Democratic Party of Korea candidate Lee Gwang-jae celebrates at his campaign office in Hanam, Gyeonggi Province, on Thursday after winning the Hanam-gap National Assembly by-election. [Lee Gwang-jae campaign]
Democratic Party of Korea candidate Lee Gwang-jae celebrates at his campaign office in Hanam, Gyeonggi Province, on Thursday after winning the Hanam-gap National Assembly by-election. [Lee Gwang-jae campaign]

By Kim Do-yoon, The Herald Business

Democratic Party of Korea candidate Lee Gwang-jae won the Hanam-gap National Assembly by-election in Gyeonggi Province, held alongside the June 3 local elections, securing a fourth term and joining the ranks of senior lawmakers.

Lee entered politics in 1988 through his association with the late former President Roh Moo-hyun — then a lawmaker — and has long been regarded as one of Roh's closest allies and an original member of the pro-Roh camp. The victory gives him a foothold in the greater Seoul area and marks another turning point in his political career.

Lee previously served three terms in the National Assembly — in the 17th, 18th and 21st sessions — and as governor of Gangwon Province. Along with former South Chungcheong Governor Ahn Hee-jung, he is considered one of the leading figures of the pro-Roh faction.

"Even though I came to the race late, the people of Hanam warmly took my hand," Lee said in his victory remarks. "I will laugh and cry with them, always staying humble and communicating openly. I will put down deep roots in Hanam and pour out every drop of my sweat and passion."

He added that he would "dedicate myself to making Hanam the most livable, healthy and happy city in South Korea — the kind of city every politician aspires to emulate."


kido@heraldcorp.com