Democratic Party wins first elections held after Incheon administrative restructuring
Democratic Party of Korea candidates Son Hwa-jung and Kim Jin-gyu have been elected as the inaugural district mayors of Incheon's Yeongjong-gu and Geomdan-gu, respectively, ahead of the two districts' launch in July.
Yeongjong-gu is a newly established district created under Incheon's administrative restructuring plan, splitting off from Jung-gu to become an independent autonomous district centered on Yeongjongdo.
"I will open a new era for Yeongjong-gu together with its residents," Son said after her election. "With the weight of responsibility that comes with being the inaugural district mayor, I will do my utmost to expand transportation and daily-life infrastructure and revitalize the local economy."
Her key campaign pledges included developing an airport economy zone, expanding the transportation network, and strengthening medical and education infrastructure.
She also pledged to improve self-sufficiency and residential conditions in Yeongjong International City to build "an international city where people want to live."
In Geomdan-gu, Kim Jin-gyu won by a wide margin to become the district's first mayor.
Geomdan-gu is a newly created autonomous district carved out of Seo-gu, anchored by the rapidly growing Geomdan new town.
"The launch of Geomdan-gu marks the beginning of a new urban era," Kim said. "I will build a future-oriented city where young people and businesses gather and residents' quality of life improves."
Kim's main campaign pledges included extending the Daejang-Hongdae line to Geomdan, expanding the metropolitan transportation network, supporting youth entrepreneurship, and broadening everyday social overhead capital.
He particularly stressed the need to improve administrative services keeping pace with the new town's growth, along with stronger education and cultural foundations.
The elections drew significant attention as the first inaugural district mayor races held following Incheon's administrative restructuring.
gilbert@heraldcorp.com
