Pohang Mayor-elect Park Yong-sun poses for a photo with his wife and others. [Park Yong-sun election camp]
Pohang Mayor-elect Park Yong-sun poses for a photo with his wife and others. [Park Yong-sun election camp]

Park Yong-sun has been elected mayor of Pohang in the 9th nationwide local elections.

In a victory statement Thursday, Park said he was "deeply grateful for the citizens' choice" and pledged to serve as mayor for all 500,000 residents of Pohang. He said he would also respect the wishes of those who had supported other candidates and reflect them in city governance.

Park said he would take the election result as "a mandate from citizens to revive the local economy and open a new future for Pohang." He added that he would not forget the voices, encouragement and criticism he heard during the campaign.

He said he would carry the meaning behind every vote and commit himself to Pohang's development, vowing to build a city of harmony and unity beyond the divisions of the election.

Park extended words of consolation to his rivals and said he would actively incorporate their sound policies and campaign pledges into city administration. "I will become a 'mayor of unity' who brings together the strength of all citizens, regardless of party lines," he said.


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